Mosquito traps placed in the vicinity of sewage treatment plants in seven municipalities have turned up positive samples of West Nile Virus, along with an area along Route 206 in Shamong, according to the Burlington County Mosquito Division.
The division is planning to treat areas within approximately one-half mile radius of each location over the next two evenings, weather permitting.
Treatment will take place Thursday, Sept. 6, near the Palmyra plant on Firth Lane; the Moorestown plant on Pine Street; and, the Willingboro plant on Industrial Drive.
On Friday, Sept. 7, treatment is scheduled for areas in the vicinity of the sewerage plant in Bordentown Township on Farnsworth Avenue; the Delran facility on River Drive; the Florence plant on W. Front Street; and, the Mount Holly sewerage plant on Rancocas Road. The area just south of Tuckerton Road in Shamong will also be treated.
Treatment is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. Pesticide will be applied in a mist form by a truck-mounted sprayer. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors while treatment takes place.
“This should once again serve as a timely reminder to all Burlington County residents that it may be post-Labor Day, but the mosquito season is still very much alive and active,” said Freeholder Mary Ann O’Brien. “Everyone should continue to take precautions against mosquito bites.”
Over the summer, strategically-placed mosquito traps have produced a total 29 positive samples of West Nile Virus (WNV) in 16 towns since May, and two positive findings for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Two horses were also found positive for EEE, and four birds with WNV were turned into the health department.
“Once again, residents are encouraged to use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves and long pants, and try to limit outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active, during dawn and dusk,” O’Brien said.
Residents should also clean or remove any items on their personal property that can collect rain or sprinkler water and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, such as clogged gutters, flowerpots, bottle caps or old car tires. They should also completely change water in birdbaths at least once a week and should repair window and door screens.
According to health officials, about one in 150 people, or less than 1 percent of those infected with West Nile virus will develop a more severe form of the disease. The elderly and immune-compromised are at higher risk of more severe disease.
Symptoms of the more severe form of West Nile Virus include severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.
However, most people exposed to West Nile Virus will not display any symptoms and some will have mild symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
Cases of EEE among horses are rare, but not uncommon; no cases were reported in Burlington County last year. Cases among humans are even more rare; however, it is considered one of the most severe mosquito-transmitted diseases, capable of causing death, or significant brain damage among survivors.
EEE virus cannot be passed from horses to humans by contact. However, the presence of a horse with EEE, or mosquitoes in the area that have tested positive, give cause for concern.
