Mosquito traps in eight towns—including Palmyra, Delran and Moorestown—have turned up positive samples of West Nile Virus, officials said. Both areas will be sprayed this week.

Other Burlington County towns include Shamong, Bordentown, Florence, Mount Holly and Willingboro.

Treatment in Palmyra and Moorestown will take place today, Sept. 6 at the Palmyra sewerage plant on Firth Lane and at the Moorestown plant on Pine Street.

On Friday, Sept. 7, treatment is scheduled for areas in the vicinity of the sewerage plant in Delran on River Drive.

Treatment is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. Pesticide will be applied in a mist form by a truck-mounted sprayer. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors while treatment takes place. 

“The mosquito season is still very much alive and active,” said Freeholder Mary Ann O’Brien. “Everyone should continue to take precautions against mosquito bites.”

Over the summer, strategically placed mosquito traps have produced a total of 29 positive samples of West Nile Virus (WNV) in 16 towns since May, and two positive findings for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Two horses were also found positive for EEE, and four birds with WNV were turned into the health department.

Residents should clean or remove any items on their personal property that can collect rain or sprinkler water and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, such as clogged gutters, flowerpots, bottle caps or old car tires. They should also completely change water in birdbaths at least once a week and should repair window and door screens.

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.

Cases of EEE among horses are rare, but not uncommon; no cases were reported in Burlington County last year. Cases among humans are even rarer; however, it is considered one of the most severe mosquito-transmitted diseases, capable of causing death, or significant brain damage among survivors.

EEE virus cannot be passed from horses to humans by contact. However, the presence of a horse with EEE, or mosquitoes in the area that have tested positive, give cause for concern.

Additional information can be accessed on the county website here.