Monmouth Officials Say West Nile Virus Evident in County

Monmouth County officials say they’ve found evidence of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in the county.

The county’s mosquito control department says in a notice posted on its website it will conduct ground spraying Tuesday morning in several areas of the county.

Affected areas include parts of Atlantic Highlands, the Hillside section of Middletown, Lake Como, the West Belmar section of Wall Township, Spring Lake Heights and Spring Lake.

Spraying is scheduled for 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Residents are advised to remain inside and protect pets, and to bring children’s toys and pet bowls inside and turn off the intake fan in window air conditioners.

Officials also recommend that residents apply insect repellent when outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible and remove any standing water from their properties.

West Nile Virus is most commonly spread by mosquitoes. It can cause fever, meningitis and encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.