West Nile virus surfaces in Ocean County

This season's first case of West Nile virus is logged in Ocean County, and health officials are using it to stress the need for precautions to prevent its spread.

The Ocean County Health Department offered no details other than a county resident contracted the disease, was hospitalized and then released. No information was given as to the town or the time frame in which it took place.

Information from the New Jersey Department of Health web page indicates 16 confirmed cases statewide through September 17, with two resultant deaths.

West Nile is transferred by bites from infected mosquitoes. The most significant way to reduce the chance of contracting it is to clear away stagnant water around the house, such as in bird baths, pools, sagging tarps, and clogged drainpipes that serve as breeding grounds.

OCHD officials also recommend limiting outdoor activites at dawn and dusk, wearing clothes that cover arms and legs when outdoors, using repellents containing DEET (except on children under age 3) and ensuring that screen doors and windows are tight and in good condition.