Dead crow tests positive for West Nile virus in Brick

Ocean County Mosquito Commission probes area; precautions advised

By melissa cifelli

Staff Writer

BRICK –– The township issued a West Nile advisory after discovering a dead crow in early July on Stoneham Drive, which tested positive for the virus.

This is the first known case of a West Nile-infected crow found in Brick this year, and only the second found in Ocean County over that period. The second county case was in Barnegat, but others have been found in Atlantic, Gloucester and Passaic counties.

According to Brick Public Information Officer Bryan Dickerson, the Ocean County Mosquito Commission will now begin testing the wetlands in and around Windward Beach Park for possible infection in the mosquito population as a precautionary measure.

"Anytime you are dealing with West Nile, you need to be concerned about it," Dickerson said.

Dickerson cautioned, however, that the infected crow may have been a transitory animal, and the mosquito population may not be infected.

"We’re in a wait-and-see stage," he said.

Nonetheless, it is important for people to be aware of what is going on and to take precautions, he said.

According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, there are several steps that may help minimize the chances of becoming infected with West Nile virus, which is spread mainly through mosquito bites.

These precautions include limiting time spent outdoors during the dawn and dusk hours, which are active hours for mosquitoes, wearing long sleeves and pants, and using insect repellent. The CDC also advises residents to change and clear standing water areas around homes where mosquitoes can breed, and to keep screens on windows and doors.

"The confirmation of a second West Nile virus-infected dead crow increases the need to reduce or eliminate all possible mosquito-breeding grounds in back yards and commercial areas," said Joseph Przywara of the Ocean County Health Department. "Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water; anyplace that water may gather; anything from a forgotten bucket or old tire leaning against a garage wall, or a birdbath, child’s unfiltered wading pool or large driveway puddles. It’s important to try and eliminate all possible breeding areas."

According to the CDC Web site, those over the age of 50 are more likely to develop symptoms of West Nile if bitten by an infected mosquito, and special care should be taken to avoid bites.

Residents who find a dead crow on their premises are asked to call the Ocean County Health Department at (732) 341-9700. Anyone with questions or concerns may call Brick Township at (732) 262-1010.