Topics:

• West Nile Virus Surveillance Program

  West Nile Virus Surveillance Program
  

  The second summer of the West Nile Virus (WNV) Surveillance program, funded through a state grant of $122,000, brought weather that was completely different from the first summer. Although the days were generally dryer and warmer than last summer, the traps seemed to catch fewer mosquitoes. As of September, the virus had been found in close proximity to our county, specifically in Warren County New Jersey, but not directly in Pike County. However, by mid October this changed when a positive mosquito was found to have been trapped in Westfall township.

  Discarded tires provide a perfect breeding spot for WNV mosquitoes.

  Directed by Karen Batalin, the team, comprised of Charles Wehinger, Joanne Emory and Gloria Derflinger, trapped adult mosquitoes throughout the entire county and submitted over 30 samples per week to the lab. Each week traps were set in locations where people would be spending time in the outdoors. The 2001 WNV season included a new component of larviciding in an attempt to prevent mosquitoes from hatching. Tire piles, which were found in various locations and storm drains on municipal streets, were treated with a biological larvicide if standing water was found to contain mosquito larvae. Some wastewater treatment plants were also treated with larvicides when needed.