An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Article Display

West Nile virus detected on Joint Base

  • Published
  • By Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The Burlington County Mosquito Division will spray for adult mosquitos within a half mile radius of North Lindberg Street and Doolittle Drive between 8 and 11 p.m. Aug. 30.

The 87th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health department detected the West Nile virus while routinely testing mosquitos trapped throughout populated areas on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

"This area is the first and only that has tested positive of the thirteen areas routinely tested on base," Lt. Col. Charles Mahakian, 87th AMDS commander. "We are working closely with Burlington County public health officials to ensure mosquito population controls are performed within a half mile radius around the area where the West Nile virus has been detected."

Trucks licensed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Pesticide Control Program will pass through the area spraying an ultra-fine mist of commercial pesticide.

The pesticides used for mosquito control have been judged by the EPA not to pose an unreasonable risk to human health, according to the Center for Disease Controls. However, individuals who are concerned about exposure to the pesticides can reduce their potential for exposure by staying indoors.

Base officials stress that the measures being taken are preventative in nature.

"While one sample pool of mosquitoes tested positive, we have had no confirmed cases of the West Nile virus throughout the joint base community," said Mahakian. "We strongly encourage the joint base community to remain vigilant and take proper precautions since prevention is always the best defense."

Prevention measures include:
· Using insect repellent containing an EPA registered active ingredient;
· Limiting outdoor activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active;
· Wearing long sleeve clothing and pants;
· Protecting homes with good window screens and doors;
· Emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels;
· Changing the water in pet dishes and bird baths weekly.

Additional information is located at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.



(Editor's Note: Information for this article was taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Additionally, the appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of this website or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation sites, the Department of Defense does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this DoD website.)