Take Precautions Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

COURT HOUSE – Freeholder Kristine Gabor reminds residents that August and September are months when mosquito-borne diseases may be detected more frequently. So far this summer, the Department of Mosquito Control has detected eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in five mosquito collections – 4 in Upper Township and 1 in Lower Township. Additionally, a horse in Cape May County tested presumptively positive for EEE. West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in six mosquito collections – 4 in Middle Township, 1 in Upper Township and 1 in Dennis Township and in a bird found in Lower Township. The Department of Mosquito Control has been and will continue to test and spray for mosquitoes in the affected areas. There are no reported human cases of WNV or EEE in Cape May County or New Jersey yet this year.
Health Officer Kevin Thomas said, “Finding West Nile virus and EEE in our area is a reminder for people to take precautions when participating in outdoor activities, particularly during the early morning hours (dawn) and the early evening hours (dusk).” Thomas recommends, “Residents should wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and use mosquito repellent. People should also eliminate any standing water on their property that may serve as a habitat for mosquitoes and keep window screens in good repair.”
While there are no human vaccines for these diseases, vaccines are available for horses. Horse owners should discuss vaccination with their veterinarian.
West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis are both transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito that has acquired the virus from an infected bird. Person-to-person transmission is rare, but may occur through blood transfusions or breastfeeding. Most West Nile virus (WNV) infections are mild and persons often have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may be mild or severe and show up three to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Mild symptoms include flu-like illness with fever, headache, body aches, nausea and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. Severe symptoms include high fever, neck stiffness, confusion, and swelling of the brain (encephalitis) which can lead to coma, convulsions or death.
Infection with eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus can cause a range of illnesses. Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms; others get only a mild flu-like illness with fever, headache, and a sore throat. Persons experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care. In rare cases, infection of the central nervous system occurs, causing sudden fever, muscle pains and a headache of increasing severity, often followed quickly by seizures and coma. In these rare instances, about one third of patients die from the disease. Of those who survive, many suffer permanent brain damage.
To assist with the identification of areas where the viruses are circulating, residents should report dead birds to the Health Department at 465-1209. Birds may be collected for testing and information on dead birds is shared with the Department of Mosquito Control, which will test mosquitoes in these areas.
More information on mosquito borne diseases is available at www.cmchealth.net.