People in NJ are getting the West Nile virus. How to help combat it. | Editorial

That rain-filled tire rotting in your backyard is more than an eyesore – it’s also a breeding ground for mosquitoes liable to be carrying West Nile virus.

On Aug. 14, a Hunterdon County man tested positive for the ailment, the first human case reported in New Jersey this year. Health officials are investigating two additional suspected cases, one each in Essex and Hudson counties.

Although the number is small, experts in the Garden State are justifiably on edge as more and more mosquitoes test positive for the virus this season. Officials expect the surge to continue in the upcoming weeks.

Carried far and wide by infected mosquitoes, West Nile is easily transmitted to animals, birds and humans.

The majority of people with the virus – eight out of 10, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates – develop no symptoms. Others experience fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash.

Most people recover completely, coping with just fatigue and weakness for a few weeks or months, but about one in 150 can develop a serious illness affecting the central nervous system, such as encephalitis or meningitis.

More mosquitoes in N.J. carry West Nile

Where you live in the state determines in part in how likely you are to be exposed to a virus-laden mosquito.

Health officials say the smallest number of mosquito pools – collections of the insects trapped throughout the state – was identified in Sussex County this year (2 pools), and the largest number (67) in Bergen County.

Mercer County ranked fifth highest with 32 pools. Hunterdon was sixth with 30 pools.

No vaccine exists for West Nile, but experts at the CDC say you can reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

They suggest using insect repellent such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus; wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors, and treating boots, pants, tents and other items with an insecticide called permethrin.

The agency also recommends children in clothing that covers their legs and arms, and outfitting strollers, cribs and baby carriers with mosquito netting.

Other tips: use window and door screens with no holes in them, turn on air conditioners as often as possible, and once a week empty buckets, planters, birdbaths or trash containers.

Because mosquitoes begin to breed in any puddle or standing water lasting more than four days, the state Department of Health urges residents to monitor potential breeding sites around the home.

That means cleaning out gutters and drains, getting rid of old tires, draining water from pool covers and flipping over plastic children’s pools when you’re not using them.

While counties continue to monitor and work to control pest infestations, simple maintenance can go a long way toward cutting your risk until mosquito season comes to an end.

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