The County’s Mosquito Extermination Commission is working closely with the Middlesex County Department of Public Safety and Health and its Health Office to educate and protect the public. Prevention is a key element to keeping our citizens safe. The area is constantly monitored and crews are continuously trained.
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The county’s public health policy is to search for Aedes mosquitoes – the type known to carry Zika – around the homes of anyone returning with symptoms that indicate they may have a Zika infection.
During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in a person’s blood and can pass from an infected person to a mosquito through mosquito bites. “We look forward to purchasing extra chemicals and equipment like hand foggers, backpack foggers and thermal foggers, equipping each technician in the field with what they need to continue doing this important job”.
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes spread Zika, which can cause birth defects in the children of pregnant women.
With more than two-dozen travel-related cases of Zika virus reported in Alabama, sights turn to mosquito control. Residents can also find out more information about prevention by visiting montcopa.org/zika. Information also will be shared through the County’s social media channels: Facebook (Middlesex County NJ) and Twitter (@ MiddlesexCntyNJ).
Zika usually results in mild fever, a rash, join pain and red eye. Zika cases here have occurred among individuals who had come from where Zika outbreaks were occurring. For those who do, symptoms tend to be mild. Six years ago, the District began looking at new technology aimed at combating a mosquito that’s a serious disease threat, the Aedes egypti. According to Warner, Zika is “a new disease for most of the world and is bringing a lot of attention to mosquito-borne diseases”. “We urge residents to practice good water sanitation on their properties”. One major way is to remove standing water.
Finally, wearing long sleeves and trousers that are light-colored and loose fitting can help reduce mosquito bites, as can using appropriate repellents, such as those containing DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
“The Commission is working closely with local and state health officials to ensure timely exchange of epidemiological, risk awareness and mosquito control data in our area to optimize vector control efforts”.
While the referendum is nonbinding, Mosquito Control Board member Jill Cranney-Gage and other members have said they will support what the voters decide when the board takes its post-election vote. “The Zika virus does not breed in water, but in specific mosquitoes that can transmit it”. “I would proudly sponsor a resolution that says we’re OK with going ahead with it”.
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In addition to the educational boards, the Commission staff will be at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s EARTH Center Open House on August 20; the Woodbridge Library Fair on August 20, Sayreville Day on September 18, Edison Fall Family Spectacular on September 24, Monroe Green Fair on October 8, Jamesburg Fall Festival on October 15 and Woodbridge Mayor’s Health Fair on October 15.
