For Immediate Release

September 21, 2023

Linwood Meadows Mosquito Sample Confirmed for West Nile Virus

Atlantic County mosquito control and health officials are once again reminding residents to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites after West Nile virus was confirmed in a Linwood mosquito sample collected from the meadows near the 2200 block of Brighton Avenue.

The sample was collected September 12 and confirmed positive for West Nile virus on September 20.

West Nile virus was previously confirmed in a Linwood sample from the 300 block of Royal Street in late August. Other positive samples have been found in Absecon, Buena Borough, Buena Vista Township, Corbin City, Egg Harbor City, Northfield and Pleasantville. There are no reported human cases of the virus at this time, according to county health officials.

Mosquito ground sprays were conducted by the county earlier this month in portions of Absecon, Pleasantville, Linwood and Somers Point and aerial sprays were performed in August in portions of Galloway and Port Republic.

West Nile virus is carried by infected mosquitoes and can be transmitted to birds, animals and humans. West Nile virus can cause serious illness, even death. Health officials encourage residents to reduce their risk and the spread of West Nile virus by reducing exposure to mosquitoes by following these tips:

* Use an insect repellent whenever going outdoors. Repellents are an important tool to assist people in protecting themselves from mosquito-borne diseases. The Centers for Disease Control recommends the use of products containing active ingredients that have been registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use as repellents applied to skin and clothing and approved for efficacy and human safety when applied as directed. Be sure to follow product directions carefully and consult with your child’s doctor prior to using on children.
                                                                       
* Rid properties of mosquito breeding grounds by draining standing water.
Mosquitoes do not travel far from where they breed. Buckets, bird baths, flower pots and other containers can hold water and provide an ideal environment for mosquitoes. Be sure to empty these containers regularly.

* Clean clogged gutters; check and repair screen doors; cut high grass around yard
                                                                       
For more information about West Nile virus, visit the Atlantic County Web site at: www.aclink.org/publichealth or call the Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5971. If you need assistance in removing stagnant puddles or floodwater from your property, call the Office of Mosquito Control at (609) 645-5948.