West Nile Virus turns up in area

Mosquito traps continue to turn up positive samples of West Nile Virus, the most recent in locations in Bass River, Bordentown Township, Shamong and Willingboro, according to the Burlington County Mosquito Division.

The division plans to treat for adult mosquitoes (weather permitting) in the vicinity of the traps in all four communities today from 7 to 11 p.m. Once again, residents are encouraged to stay indoors while treatment occurs. Pesticide will be applied in a mist form by truck.

Treatment will take place in the vicinity of two locations in Bordentown Township, at Bywater Avenue, and separately at Hogback Road and Route 130, near Mercer County.

In Bass River treatment will take place near Amassa Landing Road; in Shamong off Atsion Road, one-half-mile west of Route 206; and in Willingboro at Clubhouse and Clearwater Roads.

Treatment is concentrated to areas with one-half-mile of the locations.

The Division has now reported a total 20 positive West Nile Samples since the end of July.

According to health officials, about one in 150 persons, or less than 1 percent of those infected with West Nile virus will develop a more severe form of the disease. The elderly and immune-compromised are at higher risk of more severe disease.

Symptoms of the more severe form of West Nile Virus include severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.

However, most people exposed to West Nile Virus will not display any symptoms and some will have mild symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands.

Additional Information can be accessed on the county web site at http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/health.