The Burlington County Health Department would like to remind residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites in order to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus and other mosquito borne diseases.
“Since the threat of diseases like West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis from mosquito bites occurs in warmer weather months, we want to remind people that there are simple steps they can take to stay safe while enjoying the outdoors,” said Holly Cucuzzella, Director and Health Officer of the Burlington County Health Department. “Using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and long pants and limiting outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active, during dawn, dusk and the evenings are additional prevention steps residents can take.”
The most effective way to control mosquitoes around the county is to remove any standing water that may be around residents’ homes, or businesses.
-Regularly empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans
-Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out
-Remove discarded tires, and any other items that could collect water
-Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home
To avoid mosquito-borne diseases, mosquito bites must be prevented.
-Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. It is important to read and follow manufacturers’ directions.
-Wear long sleeves and pants from dusk through dawn when many mosquitoes are most active.
-Install or repair screens on windows and doors. If you have it, use your air conditioning.
For more information on West Nile Virus or to report a dead bird, please contact the Burlington County Health Department at (609) 265–5533 or online at www.co.burlington.nj.us/health.
Additional information can be accessed online at www.cdc.gov/westnile or http://www.cdc.gov/EasternEquineEncephalitis/.
The Burlington County Health Department’s Raphael Meadow Health Center is located at 15 Pioneer Blvd in Westampton, within the county complex.
