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Perth Amboy Launches Zika Prevention Awareness Campaign

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News Release 6/1/16
PERTH AMBOY, NJ— Mayor Wilda Diaz and the Middlesex County Mosquito Commission have partnered to bring awareness about Zika virus prevention to the residents of Perth Amboy during the summer months of travel, outdoor activities and for expecting mothers.

“It’s extremely important to get this information to our families. We are being aggressive about the outreach, as summer is just around the corner and we know that many of our families travel to the Caribbean and other areas that have unfortunately been impacted by the Zika virus,” said Mayor Wilda Diaz.

According to the Middlesex County Mosquito Commission, currently there are 16 travel-related and zero locally acquired Zika cases in New Jersey.  The Commission does not expect widespread outbreaks, however isolated cases of travel and locally acquired cases is possible due to some infected people returning from areas with Zika virus outbreaks such as Puerto Rico and South American countries.

“Fortunately, the primary mosquito species (Aedes aegypti) that spread Zika, is not present in New Jersey.  However local transmission can come from the Asian tiger mosquito, an aggressive daytime biter that is commonly seen occurring in residential backyards and businesses in the county,” said Superintendent Dr. Deepak Matadha.  “The Asian tiger mosquito breeds in a wide range of man-made containers that hold water for more than seven days. It is found in all neighborhoods, from the poorest to the most affluent. For effective control of this species, we urge the residents to practice good water sanitation on their properties. Once every week, eliminate or manage all sources of standing water to discourage mosquito breeding.”

To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants; stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside; use EPA registered insect repellents according to label. To stop the spread of Zika, travelers diagnosed with Zika should avoid mosquito bites for 3-weeks and use condoms when having sex.

The Mosquito Commission is proactive in their surveillance and control efforts with regards to the Asian tiger mosquito in the Perth Amboy community. They are conducting city-wide monitoring for the Asian tiger mosquito population, treatments for mosquito larvae control in all catch basins and other habitats, spraying for adult mosquitoes and source reduction through scrap tire abatement in the City.

Zika prevention information will be distributed to the public and is currently published on the City’s website. Public Service Announcements (PSAs) will be aired in the upcoming weeks. Many organizations have partnered in Zika prevention efforts in the county, including the NJ Health Department, Raritan Bay Medical Center, NJID, MC Mosquito Commission, the MC Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

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