West Nile virus was found in a mosquito sample collected from Birch Grove Park in Northfield this month.
The sample collected Sept. 6, was confirmed positive Wednesday.
Atlantic County public health and mosquito control officials are conducting mosquito surveillance and implementing additional control measures.
There were ground sprays Thursday in Absecon, Pleasantville, Linwood and Somers Point to reduce populations of adult mosquitoes, the county Health Department said.
West Nile virus was previously confirmed in mosquito samples from collected in Northfield, along with Absecon, Buena Borough, Buena Vista Township, Corbin City, Egg Harbor City, Linwood and Pleasantville.
There are no reported human cases of the virus at this time, according to county health officials.
“It is not uncommon to find West Nile virus in mosquito samples this time of year, which is why we are reminding residents to ‘fight the bite’ by protecting themselves from mosquito bites,” County Executive Dennis Levinson said.
Across the state, West Nile virus has been found in 525 mosquito samples in 2023 compared to 472 mosquito samples this same time last year.
Of the state’s 21 counties, only Cumberland has yet to report a mosquito sample that tested positive for West Nile virus.
ealth officials encourage residents to follow these tips to reduce exposure to mosquitoes:
* Use an insect repellent whenever going outdoors. Repellents are an important tool to assist people in protecting themselves from mosquito-borne diseases. The Centers for Disease Control recommends the use of products containing active ingredients that have been registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use as repellents applied to skin and clothing and approved for efficacy and human safety when applied as directed. Be sure to follow product directions carefully and consult with your child’s doctor prior to using on children.
* Rid properties of mosquito breeding grounds by draining standing water.
Mosquitoes do not travel far from where they breed. Buckets, bird baths, flower pots and other containers can hold water and provide an ideal environment for mosquitoes. Be sure to empty these containers regularly.
* Clean clogged gutters; check and repair screen doors; cut high grass around yard.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit the Atlantic County Web site at: www.aclink.org/publichealth or call the Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5971. If you need assistance in removing stagnant puddles or floodwater from your property, call the Office of Mosquito Control at (609) 645-5948.
