South Jersey Towns Battle Mosquitoes To Fight Off Zika Virus

LINDENWOLD, N.J. (CBS) – The threat of the Zika virus has mosquito control departments ramping up efforts throughout South Jersey.

As of June 3, the New Jersey Department of Health says there have been 19 confirmed cases of Zika linked to international travel.

Caryelle Lasher, supervisor of the communicable disease unit of the Camden County Health Department, says so far there have been no mosquito-related Zika cases in New Jersey, but officials are monitoring it.

Mosquito biologist Lauren Segreto says everyone in her field is keeping an eye on two species of mosquitoes, the Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti.

The albopictus is also known as the Asian Tiger Mosquito and while it is less of a threat than the aegypti, the species is very common to our region.

To combat the possibility of mosquitoes transmitting Zika, several counties have increased trapping and educating the public on how to prevent getting bit.

Here are a few highlights of the extra efforts:

GLOUCESTER COUNTY

Assigned more public works employees to help with mosquito control and expanding their program of stocking ponds with fish that eat mosquito larvae.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

Stepped up efforts to educate pregnant women about Zika and created door hangers with information.

CAPE MAY COUNTY

Stepping up surveillance of Asian Tiger mosquitoes and is the only county in New Jersey with their own lab to test for diseases.

SALEM COUNTY

Also increasing mosquito trapping including adding Biogents Sentinel traps that mimic human scents.

ATLANTIC COUNTY

Increased public outreach at schools and community events.