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The 2011 season brought levels of mosquito infestation
reminiscent of conditions in New Jersey at the beginning of
the 20th Century. The aftermath of Hurricane
Irene, and subsequent rain events, coupled heavy Spring-like
flooding and high temperatures with an already fully fledged
adult breeding mosquito population. The result was a
near catastrophic explosion of hungry young mosquitoes
looking for their first blood meal in almost every area of
Passaic County simultaneously.
Many other regions of New Jersey suffered too. We were
fortunate the incidence of disease transmission remained
relatively low. Six cases of West Nile virus in humans
have been reported in New Jersey so far this year, with no
cases reported from Passaic County. This may be more
than a lucky coincidence. Many mosquito control
professionals believe the risk of disease transmission may
actually increase in dry years as disease pathogens become
more locally concentrated.
In response to the crisis Passaic County Mosquito Control
adopted a ‘boots on the ground’ strategy to combat larval
and adult mosquito populations in the hardest hit areas of
the county. Staff members were directed to literally
get their feet wet in areas inaccessible to vehicles, even
ATVs. In other areas, all-terrain vehicles provided
vital access for emergency control measures in infested
woods bordering densely populated residential areas.
The experience has been sobering for all those affected by
these powerful, destructive storms and for many the damage
will linger for months if not years. Our thoughts are
with our residents as we make our way through the long
process of recovery together.
Eric
Green, Superintendent
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