Community Corner

County Confirms First Case of West Nile Virus in Human

It is the first case in Atlantic County since 2010.

The first human case of West Nile Virus in Atlantic County since 2010 was confirmed by county officials on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 18, although County Public Information Officer Linda Gilmore didn't reveal the person's identity or hometown.

"The individual was not hospitalized and is recovering at home under doctor’s care,"Gilmore said in an email. "We continue to remind residents to take precautions to reduce exposure to mosquitoes, including use of repellants, avoiding outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most prevalent, preventing bites by wearing long sleeves and pants. ALSO – it is important to remove standing water from properties to eliminate potential mosquito-breeding grounds. All these precautions need to be exercised repeatedly in an ongoing effort to prevent the spread of West Nile virus."

According to Gilmore, four birds have been diagnosed with the virus, including one in Galloway, and five positive mosquito samples were collected, including two in Galloway, in the county so far this year.

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