After mosquitoes with West Nile virus were discovered in a section of Westwood, Bergen County has scheduled truck-mounted spraying of insecticides for Tuesday.
The move comes after mosquitos near Meadowbrook Park tested positive for West Nile a few days ago, Mayor Raymond Arroyo said on his Facebook page.
"The good news is that the mosquito population is down due to the relatively dry summer we’ve experienced,” he wrote. "And with the smaller numbers , fewer bugs are carrying the virus."
The Bergen County Mosquito Control Division will spray Duet adulticide, which kills active adult mosquitos, and VectoBac larvicide, which attacks larvae, between the hours of 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Tuesday. Residents are asked to keep all windows closed during the spraying. If it rains, spraying will be delayed until Wednesday.
Bergen County mosquito spraying schedule
Weather permitting, more spraying is scheduled for later this month in Park Ridge (Sept. 27), Upper Saddle River (Sept. 28) and Saddle River (Sept. 30.)
The state Health Department reported four additional human cases of West Nile virus from Essex, Mercer, and Monmouth counties in its weekly Vector-borne Surveillance Report on Sept. 14. So far this year, there have been 20 human cases of West Nile and three deaths, as of latest report. One emu also tested positive in Monmouth County.
What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus, first identified in the United States in 1999, is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and is most commonly seen in the summer and early fall, according to the Health Department . While anyone can become infected, people over 50 and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness.
Symptoms range from mild flu-like effects, including fever and headaches, to more severe conditions like high fever, stiff neck, and swelling of the brain. There is no specific treatment, and prevention by avoiding mosquito bites remains the best defense
How to protect against West Nile
Ways to lower your chances of getting West Nile virus include using EPA-registered insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or other recommended ingredients. Wearing long sleeves and pants, draining standing water, and using window and door screens are also recommended.
Residents are encouraged to limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, and to cover cribs and strollers with mosquito netting.
More: NJ confirms two West Nile deaths, four other cases as mosquito-borne viruses spread
Take precautions during mosquito spraying
The county recommends several measures people can take to reduce their exposure to the spraying:
- Limit time spent outside during treatment and move pets, pet food and water dishes indoors before the application.
- Bring clothing and children’s toys inside. People and pets should stay indoors with windows closed, making sure air conditioners are on a non-ventilation setting (closed to the outside air) and turning off window fans.
- Avoid direct contact with surfaces that are still wet from spraying and keep children from playing in sprayed areas until they completely dry, which takes about an hour.
- If you are outside during spraying, the Mosquito Control Division recommends avoiding eye and skin contact with the chemicals. Immediately flush and rinse with water if there is contact.
For more information, contact Mosquito Control at (201) 634-2880 or the Bergen County Department of Health Services at (201) 634-2600.
Staff Writer Manahil Ahmad contributed to this story.
Stephanie Noda is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: noda@northjersey.com
Twitter: @snoda11
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: West Nile detected in Westwood as Bergen County plans more mosquito spraying
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