JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – The Morris County Division of Mosquito Control found two mosquito pools positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) and two mosquito pools positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Jefferson Township, according to the Morris County Mosquito Commission,
All positive mosquito pools were detected in a limited area within Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
The EEE virus is a rare cause of brain infections (encephalitis). Only a few cases are reported in the United States each year. Most occur in eastern or Gulf Coast states. Approximately 30% of people with EEE die and many survivors have ongoing neurologic problems.
The Division of Mosquito Control is treating this area with synthetic pyrethroid insecticides that are recognized as an effective solution for mosquito control. The insecticide will be applied during early morning hours, and its residual is known to dissipate very quickly in the environment.
A mosquito sample that was collected from Meadow Breeze Park in Washington Township, Warren County on Aug. 21 tested positive for both West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, according to the Warren County Mosquito Commission.
This year, New Jersey has one confirmed human case of West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.
New Jersey only saw one human case between 2009 and 2018, according to the CDC.
The EEE virus infection can result in one of two types of illness, systemic or encephalitic (involving swelling of the brain, referred to below as EEE). The type of illness will depend on the age of the person and other host factors. It is possible that some people who become infected with EEEV may be asymptomatic (will not develop any symptoms).
The most effective way to prevent infection from Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus is to prevent mosquito bites, according to the CDC.
The CDC says to use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellentsExternal with one of these active ingredients:
- DEET
- Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Mosquitoes can lay eggs even in small amounts of standing water. You can take the following steps to limit mosquitoes on your property and keep them from laying eggs near you:
- Empty standing water from flower pots, buckets, barrels, and tires. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Empty children’s wading pools and wheelbarrows and store on their side after use.
- Dispose of water-holding containers that have accumulated on your property, especially discarded tires
- Drill holes in the bottom and elevate recycling containers that are left outdoors
- Clean up any trash or leaves that may be around your home or in rain gutters at least once a year
- Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. Mosquitoes can even breed in the water that collects on pool covers
- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
Jefferson Township residents can call the health department at 973-208-6120 for more information regarding mosquito-borne diseases and mosquito control one one’s property, or may consult the informational brochures available through the Township website.
Morris County residents should report mosquito problems and standing water to the Morris County Division of Mosquito Control at 973-285-6450.
For information about the Division of Mosquito Control and its efforts to prevent mosquito activity in our community, check the Division’s website.
