Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been detected in Morris Plains and five other Morris communities, according to the Daily Record.
Parsippany, Rockway, Dover, Mine Hill and Riverdale are the other towns, the paper reports.
Mosquitoes get the virus from infected birds and pass it to humans, horses and other animals.
The first outbreak in the United States was reported in 1999 in New York City; since then it has spread to every state except Alaska and Hawaii, according to the Morris County Mosquito Extermination Commission.
While 70- to 80 percent of infected persons never develop symptoms, the virus can cause fever-like conditions, neurological illnesses and rarely, death. Five people in New Jersey died from the infection last year.
The commission offers these safety tips:
- Use a personal insect repellant, DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus products are all recommended by the CDC.
- Remove standing water from your property. Children’s toys, flower pots, tarps, etc. should be emptied out frequently. Bird baths should be cleaned out once a week.
- Consult with your local mosquito control agency. Call or visit their website for a list of their services. Morris County Mosquito Commission offers free mosquito control services to all of its residents.
- Protect yourself at home and away, this is a serious illness that has been documented in 48 states and several other countries.
More information about West Nile virus is available from the federal Centers for Disease Control.
