More West Nile Virus Samples Found in Burlco

More positive samples of West Nile Virus have been found in county mosquito traps in four Burlington County towns, including Moorestown. 

The county Mosquito Division has found a total of 12 positive samples over the past three weeks, most recently in Mansfield, Maple Shade, Moorestown and Willingboro.

Last week, the county announced that five positive samples of West Nile Virus—the first of the summer season— near sewerage treatment plants in Beverly, Evesham and Maple Shade. Another positive finding was detected in a rural location along County Route 542 in Washington Township. The county treated those areas to control adult mosquitos. 

On Tuesday, the county said more positive samples were found near sewerage treatment plants in Maple Shade, Moorestown and Willingboro, and near Ellington Drive in the Four Seasons development in Mansfield.  

The county will treat the areas within a half mile of those locations on Thursday, Aug. 11, after 6 p.m. A truck will apply pesticide in a mist form. Residents are asked to stay indoors while treatment occurs.

Moorestown's sewerage treatment plant is at 250 Pine Street. 

County officials are encouraging residents to:

• Use mosquito repellent
• Wear long sleeves and pants
• Limit outdoor activity
• Clean or remove items that collect water or rain, such as clogged gutters, flowerpots and old car tires
• Change water in birdbaths once a week
• Repair window and door screens

According to County Health Officer Robert Gogats, 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 here.