West Nile Virus Fact Sheet for Wall Residents

Compiled by the Wall Township Environmental Advisory Committee

The NJ Department of Health and Senior Services have identified 9 positive crows with WNV in Wall Township. Residents should be concerned, but not panicky, as knowledge is power. Communities across the nation are faced with this same dilemma. Therefore, this fact sheet has been prepared by the Wall Township Environmental Advisory Committee for your information.

The West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne viral disease, which may cause an inflammation of the brain commonly known as encephalitis. It is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites that have become infectious after feeding on a bird infected with the virus.

No further testing is necessary at this time since the crows submitted have been tested as positive and the West Nile Virus Avian Surveillance has a 5 crow limit. However, it is extremely important that you contact the Monmouth County Board of Heath Department at (732) 431-7456 during business hours (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) to report any dead or ill birds found on or near your property. It is crucial that DHSS has this information to enable prompt mosquito control and for surveillance reports.

Should you find a dead crow on your property, the following procedures apply:
- Call the County Health Department at (732) 431-7456 to report the dead crow.
- Wear gloves as a precautionary measure and shovel the dead bird into a double plastic bag.
- Discard it into the trash.

To reduce your risk of becoming infected with WNV, the following suggestions apply:

- Eliminate stagnant water around your home since this obviously attracts mosquitoes. There may be water stagnant in discarded tires, blocked gutters, unclean birdbaths, poorly maintained pools, or any type of receptacle with decaying organic matter.
- Limit outdoor activities at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening whenever possible.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors when possible.
- Ensure that screen doors and windows are in good condition.
- Use an effective skin or clothing mosquito repellent. Always follow the directions carefully for product use.

Most WNV infections do not produce symptoms in people, or the symptoms may be mild or moderate. Symptoms may include: fever, headache, and body aches often with skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe infections may include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, stupor, disorientation, convulsion, paralysis, coma, and rarely death.

For more information on the WNV or local mosquito surveillance and control, visit the web sites listed below:

www.state.nj.us/health - NJ Department of Health and Senior Services

www.state.nj.us/dep/mosquito - NJ Department of Environmental Protection

www.njmosquito.org - NJ Mosquito Homepage

www.state.nj.us/agriculture - NJ Department of Agriculture

www.cdc.gov - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

www.visitmonmouth.com/health - Monmouth County Health Department

www.visitmonmouth.com/mosquito - Monmouth County Mosquito Extermination Commission

Reference Source:
The Monmouth County Board of Health, Mayor Mary L. Burne, WTEAC Liaison, Bob Peters, President, Wilma J. Morrissey, WTEAC Chair