By AUBRIE GEORGE | The Moorestown Sun
Moorestown residents within the vicinity of the Pine Street sewer plant are asked to stay indoors this evening while the county sprays to control mosquitoes that may be carrying West Nile virus.
According to a statement released by the Burlington County, the area is being treated after a trap at the facility turned up the first mosquito of the season showing positive for West Nile Virus.
Areas within one mile of the plant, which is located on Pine Street off of North Lenola Road, will be treated with a pesticide mist that will be delivered by truck. The spraying is scheduled to take place around 6:30 p.m. this evening. Officials are encouraging residents to stay indoors while treatment is taking place.
In addition, residents are reminded to take precautions against mosquitoes this season including using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and long pants and limiting outdoor activity at dawn, dusk and in the evening when mosquitoes are most active. Residents should also clear or clean their property of items that collect rain or sprinkler water such as clogged gutters, flowerpots, bottle caps or old car tires. Completely changing water in birdbaths at least once a week and repairing window and door screens can also keep residents safe.
The elderly and immune-compromised are at higher risk of catching the severe form of West Nile virus. Symptoms include severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. However, most people exposed to West Nile Virus will not display any symptoms and some will have mild symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
