Press Release: Early Surge of West Nile Virus Mosquitoes Hits New Jersey
New Jersey is facing an early arrival of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus, with reports indicating that the disease has been detected in 10 mosquito pools across six counties as of June 7. This finding comes two weeks earlier than the same time last year, continuing a trend of increasingly active mosquito seasons attributed to climate change, according to Autumn Angelus, a biologist with the state’s Office of Mosquito Control Coordination.
The first positive pool was collected in Gloucester County on April 19, marking an uptick in activity compared to past years, which saw the initial detection later in May. While West Nile is a common concern, the state reported 41 human cases and eight fatalities last year, significantly above average.
Residents are encouraged to contact local mosquito control programs for assistance, which offer free services to address mosquito issues. Preventative measures, such as eliminating standing water and using EPA-approved repellants, are vital for minimizing exposure. Meanwhile, officials emphasize the importance of public awareness about the serious health risks posed by mosquito-borne diseases, particularly for vulnerable populations.
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