West Nile Detected in Palmyra; Area to Be Sprayed Today

The Burlington County Mosquito Division will treat to control adult mosquitoes in areas of four towns today, including Palmyra, where recent samples of West Nile Virus have been detected.

Garfield Avenue in Palmyra will be sprayed between 7:30 and 11 p.m., weather permitting. Other areas in Burlington County include the general vicinity of Church Street in Medford, Galaxy Lane in Willingboro and mile marker 16 on County Route 542 in Washington.

Residents are advised to stay indoors during this period.

The positive samples bring to a total of 14 the number of West Nile mosquitoes trapped this season, officials said. The first was identified in late May in Pemberton Township.

The mosquito division routinely places traps throughout the county during the warm weather season, to identify the presence of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and St. Louis Encephalitis.

Residents were once again reminded to take precautions against mosquito bites by using repellent, wearing long sleeves and long pants, and by trying to limit outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active, during dawn and dusk.

Residents should also 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.