2006 was the heaviest season for Mosquito Control since the summer of 2003. All of the conditions necessary for producing large numbers of mosquitoes fell into place. Rainfall remained consistently high until August and temperatures frequently climbed into the 90s. Mosquito Control made use on several occasions of our all-terrain vehicles to perform adult mosquito spraying deep within wooded habitat while adopting a potent new strategy of conducting larvaciding operations immediately prior to adulticiding in the same location.
While mosquito populations boomed and requests for residential service mounted, we nevertheless held the line against disease-carrying mosquitoes. As in the last three seasons there were no reported human cases of any mosquito-borne illness within Passaic County in 2006. Statewide the number of humans infected by West Nile virus remained unchanged from the 2005 level at five cases. More ominously the Lacrosse virus made its first appearance in two neighboring New York counties. Carried primarily by Ochlerotatus triseriatus, a mosquito fond of laying its eggs in tree holes, it is possible that Lacrosse will make its way into the wooded northern reaches of Passaic County during the 2007 season. Though rarely fatal, the primary victims of Lacrosse are children and adolescents.
Another pathogen, the Chikungunya virus, also received some media attention in 2006. Outbreaks of this disease have recently occurred overseas and it is an open question whether or not it will travel to the United States. Whatever the outcome, Mosquito Control would like to remind you of the importance of protecting yourself from mosquito bites when traveling abroad. For more information on Lacrosse, Chikungunya, and other mosquito-borne diseases please click on the following Centers for Disease Control & Prevention link: http://www.cdc.gov/ - For information on tick-borne disease prevention please click on the Additional Info tab located at the top of this page.
As always, your efforts can make a huge difference. Please inspect your property regularly to ensure standing water is not collecting and properly maintain all pools and fountains. We would especially like to remind you to maintain rain gutters to make sure they are flowing freely. Clogged gutters can provide enormous amounts of habitat for egg-laying mosquitoes and unfortunately are not accessible to Mosquito Control staff members for inspection or treatment. Of course, if you choose to inspect rain gutters yourself be certain you are healthy enough for such activity first and observe proper safety procedures.
Thank you for your help in making Passaic County a healthier place for all residents.
Eric Green - Acting Superintendent |
