By Peter Sclafani, Packet Media Group
Officials say that mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus arrived early this year and are urging residents to take precautions to prevent contracting the disease.
West Nile virus can cause irritation, swelling of the brain and can be fatal.
Normally the virus does not appear until the middle of August. However, this year the first confirmed case of the virus in New Jersey occurred on July 31 in Cumberland County.
State Health Commissioner Mary O’Dowd said the mild winter and dry weather have led to mosquitoes appearing earlier than usual.
Public health educator Suzanne Rose, said the changing weather patterns may have caused an increase in the number of mosquitoes.
”We’ve had a lot of high heat and a lot of moisture lately,” she said. “These combined create good breeding conditions for mosquitoes.”
Vincenzo Russo, who oversees mosquito control in Somerset County said his teams have been working daily to make sure a mosquito problem does not develop.
According to Mr. Russo, about 900 different spots throughout the county are treated with pesticide; however, there is no guaranteed safe spot besides indoors, to avoid mosquito bites.
Mercer County Mosquito Control, under the supervision of biologist Ary Farajollahi, has put out a checklist for residents to follow to avoid creating mosquito breeding grounds around their homes.
The list includes properly disposing of cans and containers that may collect water, cleaning clogged roof gutters and making sure water is not collecting in pool or boat covers.
In addition to spraying problem areas with pesticides to eliminate mosquitoes, Mercer County Mosquito Control is also conducting surveillance of mosquito borne diseases.
Mosquito Control will set out traps for mosquitoes and use the captured insects to test them to determine if they are carriers of West Nile.
Sue DiStefano of The Mosquito Squad in Princeton said the key to avoiding bug bites is to make sure that anything that can hold water is turned over. If you can eliminate breeding grounds, then you can alleviate the problem, she said.
”The best way to prevent bug bites while in an area where mosquitoes may be living is to wear a bug repellent containing DEET,” Ms. Rose said. “As long as you apply it following the instructions on the bottle it is the safest and most effective way to repel mosquitoes.”
According to the Center for Disease Control’s website, only about one in 150 people infected with the virus will develop a severe illness because of it.
Ms. Rose said that most people who have contracted the virus would feel lethargic and have some joint pain, but symptoms do not usually progress further.
”However, if you start having a fever, unusual headaches and neck pain you should go see a doctor right away,” she said.
