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Ocean County Health Department Warns Of West Nile Virus
OCEAN COUNTY - April showers not only bring springtime flowers, but the warming weather and more frequent rainstorms increase the chance of exposure to West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne viral disease, according to a Health Department spokesperson.
Crows and blue jays, part of the corvid family of birds native to New Jersey, are especially susceptible to illness and death from WNV. Collecting and testing dead crows and blue jays is an important means of tracking and identifying WNV within the state.
According to Health Department spokesman Edward Rumen, reporting and collecting of dead crows and blue jays by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services officially began April 15. "The unseasonably cold weather at night, these past few weeks, has kept the mosquito population in check," Rumen said. "As the warmer weather starts to prevail, it won't be long before the mosquitoes are buzzing once again."
Rumen said residents can contact the Health Department at 732-341-9700 extension 7502, to report sick or dead crow or blue jay sightings. Callers should be prepared to report when they saw the bird and provide a detailed location. Only dead birds in good condition will be collected.
Health Department Epidemiologist Jennifer Sklow stated most human WNV infections produce no symptoms, or symptoms are mild or moderate and include fever, headache and body aches. These symptoms may be accompanied by skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
Sklow added, "Testing dead crows and blue jays for WNV is the best way to know where the virus is circulating and where additional mosquito control activities may be necessary."
"Locations of dead crows and blue jays that tested positive for WNV are always shared with the Ocean County Mosquito Commission to assist in mosquito control efforts," said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Board of Health. "In past seasons, county residents have responded well and helped us control opportunities for the disease to spread by reporting a sick or dead crow or blue jay found on their property to the Health Department."
Rumen stated the collected dead birds are sent to the state lab for testing and the results shared with municipal officials. "All dead bird locations are recorded, and all reports are important. However, badly decomposed bird remains cannot be submitted for lab testing," Rumen said. "Residents should wear gloves, and dispose of uncollected birds as regular trash."
The Health Department spokesman offered the following tips for reducing your chances of exposure to disease-carrying mosquitoes:
Eliminate mosquito-breeding areas in your yard, including standing water in old tires, flower pots, buckets or other containers.
Keep your lawn mowed and your bushes trimmed.
Repair any holes in screens for windows and doors.
Clean debris from your roof gutters, so they drain properly.
Change the water frequently in wading pools and birdbaths.
Limit exposure to mosquitoes by staying indoors during the hours of dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
If you do venture outdoors during those hours, wear long-sleeved shirts and long-legged pants.
Apply mosquito repellant before working outdoors.
For more information on West Nile virus, including photos of crows, which are very large black birds with black eyes, see the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Web site at www.state.nj.us/health for additional information.
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