Upcoming Zika Meetings in Monmouth County

Monmouth County, NJ - Are you concerned about Zika and want to know the latest?

Starting next Thursday, June 30, Monmouth County will hold a series of public health forums to discuss the latest information about the Zika virus and other mosquito-related issues in New Jersey.

“The mosquito that transmits the Zika virus has not arrived in Monmouth County, but that should not stop anyone from gaining the knowledge to fight the bite," said Monmouth County Freeholder Director Tom Arnone.

Representatives will be on hand to discuss the current status of the Zika virus in the United States and offer preventative information, as well as to update residents on what Monmouth County is doing to destroy mosquito breeding areas. Woodbridge Township, for example, has identified 9 abandoned swimming pools, which the township drained and destroyed earlier in June to prevent mosquito breeding.

The forums are scheduled for:

Thursday, June 30: 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (presented by Shrewsbury Borough Board of Health, Monmouth County Regional Health Commission No. 1, and Monmouth County Public Health Consortium)
Eastern Branch Library
1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702-4398
732-683-8980

Friday, July 8: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Monmouth County Library headquarters
125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan, NJ 07726-3249
Telephone: (732) 431-7220

Wednesday, July 13: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Monmouth County Library headquarters
125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan, NJ 07726-3249
Telephone: 732-431-7220

Thursday, August 4: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Eastern Branch Library
1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702-4398
Telephone: 732-683-8980

Monmouth County created a Mosquito Habitat Checklist, available at www.visitmonmouth.com/mosquito.

According to the CDC, the Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (more commonly known as pink eye). The illness usually presents itself within a week of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Those who contract the virus usually experience mild symptoms.

Due to the mild symptoms and effects of the virus it is possible someone who has been infected might not realize they have been infected. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and death due to the Zika virus is very rare, according to the CDC. Nonetheless, a Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect known as microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects.

According to the CDC, once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.

“Your best defense against the Zika virus is within your control. Eliminating mosquito breeding grounds in your yard and wearing protective clothing during the most active times of the day will help with your protection,” said Monmouth County Freeholder John Curley, who oversees the County Board of Health.

For more information, call Monmouth County Mosquito Control at 732-542-3630.