At 10 a.m. Monday, May 6, at the Department of Health and Agriculture Building, 369 S Warren St., Trenton, the New Jersey Mosquito Control Commission will mark its 500th meeting with updates on mosquito control efforts in the state.
Founded in 1956, the commission continues to perform an important and increasingly relevant role in protecting the public from mosquito-borne diseases. The meeting will provide an opportunity to better understand these efforts. The meeting in the first-floor auditorium.
Through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Office of Mosquito Control Coordination, the commission is responsible for monitoring of mosquito control activities in the state. The state utilizes partnerships among the DEP, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Rutgers Agricultural Experiment Station and all 21 counties to control populations of more than 60 types of mosquitoes, 20 of which can carry diseases.
Last year, New Jersey reported its highest number of West Nile virus cases, with more than 60 cases identified in 20 counties.
“You can protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne diseases by wearing long sleeves and pants, using EPA-registered insect repellent and treating clothing and outdoor gear with permethrin,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal. “If you’re planning a trip overseas, check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Traveler’s website to find out about mosquito-borne disease risks and then take steps to prevent mosquito bites while traveling and for three weeks once you’re back in New Jersey.”
For more information on how to prevent mosquito bites and illness, or to mosquito-proof your home and yard, visit http://nj.gov/health/cd/documents/faq/mosquito_checklist.pdf or http://nj.gov/health/cd/documents/topics/vectorborne/C2506--Mosquito-borne%20Diseases%20Brochure.pdf
Follow New Jersey Health Commissioner Elnahal on Twitter.
Follow the New Jersey Department of Health on Twitter @njdeptofhealth, Facebook /njdeptofhealth, Instagram @njdeptofhealth and Snapchat @njdoh.