New Jersey is known as a high-risk area for diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes, such as Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and potentially the Zika virus.
Fortunately, we can help you combat these pests with our tick and mosquito control services. Our products are safe for children and pets while remaining
effective.
West Nile Virus Detected In Sussex County Mosquitoes
The West Nile virus has been confirmed in mosquito samples taken from traps located in a half dozen locations in eastern Sussex County, according to county officials.
The presence of the virus which causes the disease was confirmed Friday and employees of the Mosquito Control Bureau worked over the weekend to spray and treat areas around the traps.
During the summer, the bureau sets up dozens of traps which attract mosquitoes. Bureau employees then test the samples at their laboratory in Frankford and also send samples to a state Department of Health laboratory for testing and confirmation.
County Administrator Ron Tappan said the mosquito trap sites with positive results were located in Hardyston, Sparta, Newton, Byram, Hopatcong and Stanhope.
West Nile disease occurs in bird populations and mosquitoes pick up the virus when they feed on an infected bird. The virus can then be transmitted to humans and other animals by the infected mosquito.
This Culex mosquito can cause the West Nile virus.
West Nile symptoms
In late July, the state Health Department reported the first human case of West Nile this year in a Camden County man. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that as of Aug. 15, there had been 190 West Nile cases in humans this year in 27 states.
The CDC calculates about one in five people who are infected will develop a fever and could have other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash.
West Nile can cause serious symptoms in a few people but most victims recover completely. However, the fatigue and weakness from the infection can last for weeks or months.