Pool
By: Davy James – Staff Writer
The South Brunswick Health Department received notification Tuesday from the New Jersey Department of Health that a mosquito pool located in the township tested positive for the West Nile virus.
The sample pool, located in the area of Route 1 and Campus Drive, is the first positive West Nile test in South Brunswick. About 40 mosquito pools have tested positive for the West Nile virus in Middlesex County so far this year, but there are no human cases of West Nile in the state, according to the Middlesex County Mosquito Commission.
South Brunswick health officials said residents should take basic precautionary measures to protect themselves from exposure. The virus is contracted only through the bite of an infected mosquito.
"The main thing is to protect against mosquitoes by using repellent with DEET," said township Health Department Director Steven Papenberg. "If it’s not too warm, people should try to cover up. People should also eliminate stagnant water around the perimeter of their property and especially close to their house because they like to breed in stagnant water."
The commission will be doing enhanced treatment and testing in the area as a result of the positive test.
"We knew we were going to have West Nile in mosquito pools eventually throughout the state," Mr. Papenberg said. "I believe 17 of 21 counties have had pools test positive for West Nile so this is something the public should keep in the back of their minds when going out."
Mr. Papenberg said the commission uses various methods for setting up locations for mosquito testing pools, based on historical information, positive tests in birds and dead birds that have been found but are unable to be tested for the virus.
When evidence of a positive test has been found, the commission does enhanced testing and treatment in the affected area. To date, 3,261 mosquito testing pools across the state have been tested for the virus.
"People have to protect themselves by making sure there is no water collected around the home in buckets or small puddles," Mr. Papenberg said. "If anyone has a problem with mosquito activity, they should call the Middlesex County Mosquito Commission. This is something the public should stay aware of."
For more information on the West Nile virus, visit http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/westnile/factsheet.htm.
To reach the commission, call 732-549-0665.

