09/02/2026
HEALTH ALERT!
West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes near Stanley Park and Shepard Kollack Park in Chatham Borough.
West Nile Virus is a viral infection spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Many people infected with West Nile Virus do not develop symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they typically appear 3 to 15 days after a mosquito bite and may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea or rash. Severe illness, including high fever, neck stiffness or inflammation of the brain, is rare.
Residents are encouraged to take steps to help protect themselves and their community:
✅ Use an EPA-registered insect repellent with one of these active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin (known as KBR 3023), IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.
✅ Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible
✅ Empty standing water from buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths, tires and other containers
✅ Make sure window and door screens are in good condition
✅ Limit time outdoors around dawn and dusk
✅ Use mosquito netting over cribs, strollers and baby carriers
For more information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about West Nile Virus and prevention, click the link in bio or visit the NJ Department of Health website.