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Currently, there are 61 cases in New Jersey, 11 of which were reported in Passaic County. While Zika is not widespread in the United States or Passaic County, the situation is being closely monitored, officials said.
“Passaic County is a diverse place with many immigrant residents who travel abroad for business and to visit their families,” said Freeholder Director TJ Best. “And despite this hurdle, we have not seen a spread in the Zika virus in the county. These grant funds will help fund our mosquito control efforts and help monitor the Zika virus.”
Statistics show approximately 1 in 4 people affected with Zika display symptoms. The symptoms of Zika typically are mild, which makes it even more dangerous because people who are infected often don’t feel sick. The major concern among health professionals is the effect of Zika on pregnancy.
The county will use this grant to conduct surveillance in mosquito habitats, reduce the mosquito population, enforce health codes that eliminate standing water, laboratory materials and public education to bring awareness to the Zika virus.
“Seven days, plus standing water equals mosquitoes,” said Freeholder Terry Duffy, who also is the chairman of the Public Health Committee. “Everyone should make sure that they are not contributing to the mosquito population by eliminating standing water in gutters, containers, children’s toys, flower pots and everything else that can hold water."
For more information on the virus or for information on how you can protect yourself, call the Passaic County Division of Mosquito Control at 973-305-5754.
For a public service announcement about Zika, go here
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