In what could potentially become a common measure in preventing the spread of Zika virus, health officials in New Jersey’s Middlesex County have begun sending crews into abandoned homes to drain — and in some cases demolish — swimming pools and other bodies of water that could harbor mosquitoes, which could carry the virus. As reported online June 8 by New Jersey 101.5 (WKXW, Trenton) the Township of Woodbridge has taken up the charge and targeted 10 properties with abandoned pools for immediate action while also putting owners of 35 more properties on notice.
According to a statement from Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac’s office, owners have 45 days to respond “with a plan to sell, rehabilitate or otherwise return the property to productive use." The mayor's statement further explained: "Many properties have abandoned swimming pools and other areas that are prime breeding areas for mosquitoes. The Township is taking a pro-active approach and is moving to eliminate any/all potential mosquito breeding areas on all abandoned properties.”
As has been widely reported since the Zika outbreak began last year, the virus is largely asymptomatic but can lead to a serious birth defect of the brain known as microcephaly. New Jersey health officials report that testing for the virus is underway in the state for women who have traveled overseas. Also as of June 8, the CDC reports there have been 691 cases of Zika in the U.S. and 1,301 in U.S. territories. There have been 20 cases reported in New Jersey. Swimming pools have been implicated in zero cases so far.
