By: centraljersey.com
State and county officials ask that New Jersey residents protect themselves against West Nile Virus.
Three cases have been confirmed in the state – in Essex, Ocean and Passaic counties – and Mercer County officials have identified high infection rates in sample populations of mosquitoes, meaning residents are at greater risk.
The increased incidence of infected mosquitoes means that residents who are bitten have a greater chance of being infected themselves.
Mercer County Mosquito Control has increased its control efforts in areas where the infected mosquitoes are found. In addition, they have been applying mosquito adulticides to kill the infected mosquitoes before they can transmit the virus.
Other counties and municipalities are following similar measures.
The virus is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes that been feeding on infected birds, officials say. The virus is not directly transmitted from birds to humans or from human to human.
State officials say residents should take the following precautions:
– Survey their property and remove any items that can collect rain or sprinkler water, including clogged gutters, flowerpots and old tires.
– Apply insect repellant to clothing and exposed skin, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants outdoors when possible, and limit outdoor activities at dawn, dusk and during evening hours, when mosquitoes are most likely to be out.
