š¦ā ļø West Nile Virus Detected in Howell Mosquitoes; County to Conduct Spraying Friday
Monmouth County officials will spray insecticide in parts of Howell early Friday morning after mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus. Residents are encouraged to use repellent and remove standing water to reduce the risk of infection.
HOWELL, NJ ā The Monmouth County Office of Mosquito Control has detected West Nile virus in mosquitoes that bite humans collected in Howell, prompting officials to conduct targeted mosquito spraying early Friday morning.
A county mosquito-control truck is scheduled to spray insecticide from approximately 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. Friday, August 14, in portions of Howell Township.
š Areas scheduled for treatment include: ā¢ Old Tavern Road between the Manasquan Reservoir and the railroad tracks ā¢ Manassa Road ā¢ Norse Drive ā¢ Preventorium Road north of Interstate 195
Officials said the county will use Zenivex 4E applied through Ultra Low Volume (ULV) sprayers mounted on a pickup truck. The treatment is intended to reduce adult mosquito populations in areas where West Nile virus has been detected.
š¦ What You Should Know About West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. County officials said the virus typically causes clinical illness in only a small percentage of infected people.
Symptoms of West Nile fever can include fever, rash and headache. In more serious cases, the virus can cause meningitis, encephalitis, coma and death.
Officials also noted that West Nile virus has been detected in numerous species of wild birds and animals, with wild bird migration believed to play a role in the spread of the virus.
š“ The virus has not been reported to cause illness in domestic animals other than horses.
š¦ Dead Crow? Report It.
Residents who find a dead crow are encouraged to report it to their local health department. If the bird is in an early stage of decay, it may be collected and submitted to the New Jersey Department of Health for West Nile virus testing.
Residents in the affected areas should remain aware of mosquito activity and take precautions to reduce exposure, including using insect repellent and eliminating standing water around their properties.
šØ Garden State News Network will continue monitoring mosquito activity and public health updates across Monmouth County.