HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S MOSQUITO CONTROL IN MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

Visited recently by ABC News, NJN News and the Courier News, the Mosquito & Vector Control division is busy sharing the important story of mosquito control during a particularly wet season and how the public can help.

	In top photo, county entomologist Gary Donato emerges from a wetland area near Liberty Village in Flemington to speak with ABC News reporter Sharde Miller;
	in middle photo, Donato shows a mosquito-filled overnight trap to NJN News reporter Jerry Henry (far right);
	in bottom photo, division director Tadhgh Rainey explains mosquito larval-to-adulthood stages to Courier News photographer Kathy Johnson. All media interviews were broadcast and published across the New Jersey market.

Tadhgh Rainey, director of the Mosquito & Vector Control division of the Hunterdon County Department of Health, was a featured guest on Comcast CN8 Newsmakers, using the cable appearance to remind area residents of the role they can personally play in reducing the threats of West Nile Virus. Rainey explained to Comcast host, Autumn Marisa, the "5 Ds" of WNV prevention: Drain standing water around the home, such as in buckets, wheelbarrows, planters, even rain gutters; Dress appropriately to cover the skin; Dusk and Dawn outdoor activities should be limited, because it is at these times that mosquitoes most actively feed; DEET is the best insect repellent for mosquito protection. With the recent abundant rains, this year's development cycle for mosquito breeding could be significantly increased.

IN SWAMP AND STUDIO, PROTECTING THE PUBLIC FROM WEST NILE VIRUS

Hunterdon County Department of Health is deep into its action plan to control West Nile Virus during 2004. Tadhgh Rainey, director of the department's  Mosquito and Vector Control division takes the war to the enemy -- mosquito larvae -- now emerging in woodland swamps and pools.  Surveying for and  applying control strategies now will help prevent millions of mosquitoes from reaching their flying adult stage. "Residents can certainly help," said Rainey, "by  eliminating pools of standing water on their properties. That means getting rid of mosquito breeding grounds right at home in places such as gutters, tarps  covering pools or boats, trash cans, and old tires." People should also take common sense steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Basics include wearing  long-sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors, particularly at dusk and dawn; making sure screens on windows and doors are in good repair; and applying  appropriate insect repellant (following the label instructions carefully, especially when applying to children) when going outdoors.

Tadhgh Rainey, head of the Mosquito & Vector Control  program for the Hunterdon County Department of Health,  used air time at WDVR-fm in Sergeantsville on November 14th to  present a strong case for continued efforts to reduce  disease carrying insects and the health threats they bear.  From an entomologist's perspective, Tadhgh offered a  picture of the seriousness of insect-borne diseases such as West Nile virus while explaining the scientific control  methods now being used in Hunterdon County.