West Nile Virus Confirmed in Dead Bird, Mosquito in Galloway

The Atlantic County Division of Public Health has confirmed West Nile virus in samples from both a mosquito and a blackbird found on the 200 block of West Donna Drive in Galloway Township, according to a Thursday press release from the county.

Earlier this summer, a sample from Northfield and also tested positive for the virus, the release said.

The virus can be transmitted to birds, other animals and humans from infected mosquitoes. Crows are particularly vulnerable and testing crows that have been dead for less than one day can help health officials determine if the virus is present, the release said.

Symptoms of West Nile in humans, according to the release, last three to six days and may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Headache
• Lack of Appetite
• Muscle Aches
• Nausea
• Rash
• Sore Throat
• Swollen Lymph Glands
• Vomiting

Risk factors for developing more severe forms of the virus, according to the release, include:

• Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV
• Organ transplants
• Recent chemotherapy
• Older or very young age
• Pregnancy

The following steps are suggested to help stop the spread of the virus, according to health officials:

• Use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites whenever going outdoors
• Drain standing water to rid properties of mosquito breeding grounds
• Check and repair screen doors
• Clean clogged gutters
• Report dead birds to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health by calling 609-645-5971

For information or assistance in draining standing water from your property, call the Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control at 609-645-5948.

For more information about West Nile Virus, visit the Atlantic County Web site at www.aclink.org/publichealth or call the county's Mosquito Control and West Nile Virus hotline at 877-643-2287.