Borough of Alpha, NJ

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Placing the safety of our Alpha children first!

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Crossing Guard Location

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Above Average West Nile virus Activity in Warren County

Samples of mosquitoes collected last week in the borough tested positive for West Nile virus. All samples, collected from multiple local municipalities, consisted of Culex mosquitoes. The mosquitoes were collected between 8/21/23 and 8/23/23 in traps specifically designed to catch Culex mosquitoes. This type of mosquito is the primary vector of West Nile virus and prefers to get its bloodmeals from birds. However, they do bite people as well, so residents are highly encouraged to wear mosquito repellent.

So far this year, Warren County Mosquito Control Commission has submitted 334 mosquito samples to the state laboratory for mosquito-borne virus testing and twenty (20) mosquito samples this year have tested positive for West Nile virus. In an average year, there are 12 samples that test positive for WNV in Warren County. Statewide, the number of West Nile positive mosquitoes is also above the 5-year average. There have been three presumptive human cases of West Nile positive in New Jersey this year reported one each from Bergen, Camden, and Middlesex Counties. Mid to late August is the peak time for humans and other mammals to acquire this virus. Subsequent trapping for adult mosquitoes is taking place to survey for mosquito species more likely to bite people. Treatments to reduce adult mosquito populations in areas of the West Nile virus activity are scheduled for Thursday 8/31/23, between 7:30 pm and 11:59 pm.

There are high populations of container-breeding mosquitoes in the area that could potentially transmit the virus. YOU CAN HELP! Residents are urged to help reduce their risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases by following these guidelines:

· Don't produce mosquitoes on your property. Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes can't begin their life without water. Encourage your neighbors to do the same!

· Defend yourself against mosquitoes using repellents containing the active ingredients: DEET, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

· Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically Dawn and Dusk.

· Report neglected swimming pools by calling 908-453-3585 or visiting www.warrencountymosquito.org Anonymous calls accepted. Just one neglected pool

can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.

WEST NILE VIRUS INFORMATION

West Nile virus symptoms of the mild form include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, and swollen lymph glands. While the illness can be as short as a few days, even healthy people have reported being sick for several weeks. About 1 in 5 people with West Nile virus develop a fever and mild symptoms. Less than one percent of individuals (about 1 in 150 people) infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. West Nile virus infection can be fatal.

· Information on WNV, repellents etc. from the Centers for Disease Control at https://www.cdc.gov/.../mosqu.../prevent-mosquito-bites.html

· Notice of spraying to be done for adult mosquitoes in the county can be found on the website, scroll down to treatment schedule: http://www.warrencountymosquito.com

· More information about West Nile virus and other vector borne diseases (mosquito & tick) present in New Jersey can be found at: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/vectorborne.shtml

https://warrencountymosquito.com/...

                                           

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING GARBAGE/RECYCLING HOLIDAYS
FROM LMR
As a reminder, the holiday schedule for LMR Disposal has changed.
All residents should put their garbage and recycling out as they normally would the week of July 4^th.  There will be no change to their scheduled pick-ups. There may be some delays, but we will be there. This information is also available on our website at www.lmrdisposal.com; Please see below:
We observe 5 major holidays a year:

• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

If your pickup falls on one of our scheduled holidays, we will collect your garbage and recycling the next day. If your pickup does NOT fall on a scheduled holiday, put your bins out as normal.
Your pickup may be delayed but we will work diligently to get all routes collected by the end of the week.
Please place your trash & recycling out the night before your scheduled pick-up day. If your trash & recycling is not out before our personnel arrive it will not be picked up until the next scheduled date. Trash and recycling must be placed at least 4ft apart.