The 68-year-old woman is the first confirmed case of West Nile Virus in 2018.
The Camden County Department of Health and Human Services has been notified that a 68-year-old woman is Camden County’s first confirmed case of West Nile Virus in 2018. The county health department has investigated the case, and is working with the Camden County Mosquito Control Commission to conduct additional spraying and mosquito testing in the area.
“The Camden County Health Department encourages you to use insect repellents and take extra precautions if you are outside during peak biting hours. You may also want to wear long sleeves and long pants if you are in your yard between dusk and dawn,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the CCDHHS. “While the chance of becoming ill is relatively small, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family.”
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 50 or older are more likely to develop serious symptoms of West Nile Virus, and should take special care to avoid being bitten.
To safeguard against the pests, 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.
“Our county mosquito commission works with the Public Health Environmental Laboratories in Trenton to verify the presence of West Nile Virus in their samples,” said Freeholder Jeffrey Nash, liaison to the Camden County Mosquito Commission. “When a pool tests positive for West Nile Virus, the mosquito Commission returns within 24 hours to spray the area.”
For more information, or to report a problem, contact the Camden County Mosquito Commission at (856) 566–2945 or skeeters@camdencounty.com.
