Morris County officials spray for mosquitos after some test positive for eastern equine encephalitis

"

A wooded area in Morris County has been treated after the Division of Mosquito Control discovered one mosquito pool tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) during routine testing. The positive sampling was found in resting boxes in the woods off Valley Road in Rockaway Township. There are about 20 set up by the Morris County Mosquito Control Program. “It’s basically a location that we’re giving the mosquitoes once they blood feed on bird populations to come down, rest and digest. We then come around and we collect those mosquitoes when they’re in there,” said Kris McMorland, director of the Morris County Mosquito Control Program.] The Division of Mosquito Control treated the area with synthetic pyrethroid insecticides on Saturday morning. “Anytime we come across disease, we’re going to treat that area. We’re not going to let it go. We’re going to make sure that we reduce those numbers,” said McMorland. “You don’t get them all, but you want to break whatever disease cycle is going on in that vicinity.” Health officials are reminding residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, eliminating standing water and limiting outdoor activities at dawn, dusk and the evening hours. “And should anybody experience symptoms that are typical of equine encephalitis or any virus for that matter, like headache, joint pain, achiness, low-grade fever or high-grade fever, just consult their primary care physician like they would’ve had any other illness,” said Peter Tabbot, health director for Rockaway Township. Residents are also advised to eliminate standing water in flowerpots, buckets, tires, pools and playground equipment. “We’re going to trap again. We’re going to collect again and submit samples. We won’t be happy until the numbers are greatly reduced and we’re not seeing any disease,” said McMorland. Township residents can call the Rockaway Township Division of Health at 973-983-2848 for general information on mosquito-borne diseases and control. Residents should report mosquito problems and standing water to the Morris County Division of Mosquito Control at 973-285-6450 . "