A 73 year old woman is Camden County’s fifth case of West Nile Virus this year.
The woman was transported to a local hospital with a high fever and low blood pressure on September 2. She later developed seizures and breathing difficulties and was transferred to a Philadelphia hospital on September 6. Her condition remains unimproved. Lab work drawn on September 7 is positive for West Nile Virus. She was confirmed as a case by NJDHSS on September 27.
The State has not released the municipality in which these individuals reside. The New Jersey Department of Health can be reached at (609) 984–7160.
The man who was confirmed as the fourth case was taken to a hospital with fever, cough, chills, paralysis and weakness on Au. 9. He had reported that he had spent considerable time outdoors. Labs drawn were positive for West Nile Virus and he was confirmed as the fifth case by the New Jersey Department of Health and Social Services (NJDHSS) on Sept. 12.
The woman confirmed as the third case was admitted at a hospital with a five day history of fever, chills, head and body aches on Aug. 26. She was discharged to her home on Sept. 1. Lab work drawn during her hospital stay has come back positive for West Nile Virus. She was confirmed as the fourth case of West Nile Virus by NJDHSS on Sept. 10.
The county’s second case of West Nile Virus was confirmed on Aug. 26. In that case, an 84-year-old county resident went to a local hospital emergency room on Aug. 17, with a three day history of headaches and fevers. He was discharged on Aug. 22 to a long term care facility.
The 68-year-old county man, who was reported as the county’s first case on Aug. 23, was discharged from hospital to a long term care facility on the Aug. 31.
All specimens drawn are sent to the Public Health Environmental Laboratories (PHEL) in Trenton. To be considered a “confirmed” case the specimen must be verified by the PHEL.
The Camden County Mosquito Commission regularly checks several thousand suspected mosquito breeding sites across the county. Mosquito spraying is scheduled on an as needed basis based upon the results of their surveillance efforts.
“At this time, and coming on the heels of the wettest summer months in the history of the county, I want to be clear, residents need to be on the lookout for standing water,” said Freeholder Jeffrey Nash, liaison to the Camden County Mosquito Commission. “This mosquito season will continue well into October and as a community we have to work together in order eliminate ideal breeding locations for these pests.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the main route of human infection with West Nile Virus is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Individuals over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of West Nile Virus, and should take special care to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Residents should check their property for any object that holds water for more than a few days. All pre-adult mosquito stages (eggs, larvae, and pupae) must be in stagnant water in order to develop into adult mosquitoes.
Swimming pools are a common problem. All pools must be checked and maintained to keep them mosquito-free. Swimming pools can breed mosquitoes within days after you stop adding chlorine or other disinfectant. Pool covers can catch rainwater and become a mosquito development site. Add a little chlorine to kill mosquitoes.
Maintain screens to prevent adult mosquitoes from entering your home or business.
Personal protection is strongly urged if you are outside when mosquitoes may be active — generally dawn and dusk. Insect repellants containing between 10–35% DEET are very effective, however, be sure to follow the label directions and take extra precautions with children and infants.
The Camden County Mosquito Commission suggests checking around your yard for mosquito breeding containers. The following is a checklist of tips to help eliminate mosquito breeding:
Dispose of unnecessary containers that hold water. Containers you wish to save turn upside down or put holes in the bottom so all water drains out.
Lift up flowerpots and dump the water from the dish underneath every week.
Stock fish or add mosquito larvicide to ornamental ponds.
Change water in bird baths, fountains, and animal troughs weekly.
Screen vents to septic and other water tanks.
Store small boats upside down and large boats so they drain. If covered, keep the tarp tight so water does not pool on top of the tarp.
Do not dump leaves or grass clippings into a catch basin or streams.
Do not allow water to collect on sagging tarps or awnings.
Do not allow trashcan lids to fill with water.
Check downspouts that are able to hold enough water to allow mosquito larvae to mature.
For more information, or to report a problem, contact the Camden County Mosquito Commission at (856) 566–2945 or [email protected].
