Ocean County Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health, said, “As fall gets closer, the air gets a bit cooler, the kids are back in school, and we begin to get ready for the next season. But we cannot forget that mosquitoes are still plentiful and still biting. As of September 15, 2015, all 21 counties have detected West Nile virus (WNV) activity. Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), another mosquito-borne virus, has been detected in six counties, including Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem. This most certainly is a reminder that all of us need to take every precaution against mosquitoes such as using mosquito repellent and limiting outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active, during dawn and dusk.”
Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator, said that there have been 10 human cases of WNV identified in the following eight counties: Bergen (1), Burlington (1), Camden (1), Cumberland (2), Gloucester (1), Middlesex (2), Monmouth (1) and Passaic (1). Two of the 10 cases resulted in death.
Regenye continued, the OCHD submitted 12 birds for testing for WNV as of
September 11, and 7 birds tested positive for WNV. The Ocean County Mosquito Commission submitted 226 mosquito pools to be tested for WNV resulting in 20 positive pools.
“In addition, Regenye added, “This year, 20 mosquito pools in New Jersey have tested positive for EEE. No EEE activity has been detected in Ocean County. The Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health, conducts WNV and EEE testing for horses. One horse, from Gloucester, has tested positive for EEE in 2015.”
He continued, “Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE) is also transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare illness in humans, and only a few cases are reported in the United States each year. Most cases occur in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states. Most persons infected with EEE have no apparent illness but severe cases of EEE (involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain) begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. EEE is one of the most severe mosquito-transmitted diseases in the United States.
The Health Department continues to remind residents that you can reduce your risk of being infected with EEE and WNV by using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and staying indoors while mosquitoes are most active. If you think you or a family member may have EEE, or WNV, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis.
According to Jennifer Crawford, Supervisor of the OCHD Communicable Disease Unit, “Regarding West Nile virus, most human WNV infections produce no symptoms, or mild or moderate symptoms that include fever, headache and body aches. These symptoms often are accompanied by skin rash and swollen lymph glands but can produce more dangerous conditions among the young or elderly and those persons with chronic diseases or compromised immune systems.”
West Nile virus is mainly transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito; therefore, on-going elimination of mosquito breeding is the key to prevention of West Nile Virus transmission. It is extremely important for homeowners to eliminate sources of standing water in their yard where mosquitoes may lay eggs. If conditions are favorable and a mosquito lays eggs in standing water, it is possible that the eggs could hatch within hours. Eliminate areas that can trap water.
In addition to eliminating standing water around the home, residents should take the following precautions:
◾Limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, when possible.
◾Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever outdoors, weather permitting.
◾Make sure screen doors and windows are in good condition.
◾When going outside, use an insect repellent containing DEET on skin or clothing, or a repellent containing permethrin on clothing. DO NOT use repellants on children less than 3 years old.
◾ALWAYS USE REPELLANTS ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTIONS ON THE LABEL.
Residents are reminded to report dead birds to OCHD by calling 732-341-9700 extension 7515. The locations of all dead birds are recorded for use by the Ocean County Mosquito Commission. Birds that are suitable for testing will be sent to the State laboratory for WNV testing.
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