August 19, 2016
With fears over mosquito-borne illnesses spreading, one New Jersey city is taking a technological approach to help solve the problem.
Camden County officials launched a website Friday where residents can report suspected mosquito breeding locations.
Camden County Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez said the county's Mosquito Commission will use feedback from users to identify areas that need to be sprayed.
“This is a simple and efficient new tool that can be accessed anywhere at any time to pinpoint the location of mosquito breeding locations,” Rodriguez said. “In Camden County, technology has joined the fight against mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.”
Residents are also able to find the spraying schedule and receive updates on reported areas.
Last month, 12 new cases of Zika virus were confirmed across New Jersey. The Camden County Health Department also reported a case of West Nile virus.
Just across the Delaware River in Pennsylvania, 74 cases of the Zika virus were confirmed this week.
Although the number of cases in the area is mounting, officials have yet to confirm a case that was transmitted locally by a mosquito.
Due to the presence of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis in the state, officials are taking proactive measures to monitor the situation.
The Camden County Mosquito Commission website can be found here.
