Somers Point Mosquito is West Nile-positive

Atlantic County is reporting a mosquito in Somers Point has tested positive for West Nile Virus. This is the first confirmed positive mosquito sample found in Atlantic County this year.

The Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control collected the sample last week from Meyran Avenue in Somers Point and it was confirmed positive for West Nile virus on August 2.

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There are no reported human cases of the virus at this time, according to county health officials. But what if you did get infected with the West Nile Virus? It would still probably not be a big deal.

According to the CDC, the majority of people (80%) infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms.

Of those who do develop symptoms, about 20% of people develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. No vaccine or specific medicines are available for West Nile virus infection but over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce fever and relieve some symptoms.

Most people with febrile illness due to West Nile virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. In rare cases (1 in 150 people), people with West Nile virus can develop serious and life-threatening side effects.

West Nile virus is carried by infected mosquitoes and can be transmitted to birds, animals, and humans. Health officials say you reduce their risk and the spread of West Nile virus by reducing your exposure to mosquito bites.

Here are some common-sense tips:

- Use insect repellants: Repellents are an important tool to help you in protecting yourself from mosquito-borne diseases. The CDC recommends the use of products containing active ingredients that have been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency for use as repellents applied to skin and clothing.

- Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by draining standing water: Mosquitoes do not travel far from where they breed. Buckets, birdbaths, flowerpots and other containers can hold water and provide an ideal environment for mosquitoes. Be sure to empty these containers regularly.

- Clean clogged gutters; check and repair screen doors.

BEEP BEEP BEEP: These are the 13 types of Wireless Emergency Alerts auto-pushed to your phone

The Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system allows government officials to immediately and automatically push messages to all cell phones and mobile devices within a specific geographical area. There are a total of 13 types of messages that can currently be sent as a Wireless Emergency Alert. Nine of them are weather-related warnings, including one that is brand new as of August 2021.