Mosquito control officials will conduct an early-morning spraying operation in a section of Howell on Friday after West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes collected in the area, township officials announced.

The mosquito spraying is scheduled for August 14 from 4 to 6 a.m. in portions of the Township as a precautionary measure after West Nile virus was found in mosquitoes that bite humans.

The treatment area includes residential and municipal streets around Old Tavern Road between the Manasquan Reservoir and the railroad tracks, Manassa Road, Norse Drive and Preventorium Road north of Interstate 195. (see map below)

The County Office of Mosquito Control will apply Zenivex 4E, an adult mosquito-control pesticide containing etofenprox, using ultra-low-volume (ULV) sprayers mounted in the beds of pickup trucks.

According to information provided by the Monmouth County Mosquito Control Division, ULV truck spraying releases very small amounts of insecticide into the air to kill adult mosquitoes. The droplets are designed to come into direct contact with flying mosquitoes.

Residents in the treatment area are advised to:

• Remain indoors during spraying when possible, with windows closed.
• Turn off window air conditioners and window fans that bring outside air indoors.
• Bring pets, pet food and water dishes indoors during the application.
• Bring children’s toys and other outdoor items inside.
• Avoid direct contact with surfaces that are still wet from spraying.
• Keep children away from treated areas until they have completely dried.
• If remaining outdoors during spraying, avoid eye and skin contact with the spray.

West Nile virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with the virus do not develop symptoms, while some can experience fever, headache, body aches, vomiting or a rash. In rare cases, the infection can lead to serious neurological illness.

Residents who experience possible symptoms following pesticide exposure are advised to contact their physician or other medical provider.