Cristianna Cooke-Gibbs, Public Health Officer
Health Department e-mail: health@wtmorris.net

Disease

WEST NILE VIRUS

Please call the Health Department at 908-876-3650 for general information about this disease.

If you find a dead bird on your property, Monday through Friday, please call the Health Department, on weekends and holidays, call the Police Department at 908-876-3232 . The township will be working with the state to keep track of bird deaths and intends to test crows for the West Nile Virus. Your cooperation is vital to make this effort a success.

For further information you may visit the New Jersey State Health Department web site at http://www.state.nj/health/ for West Nile Virus Information.

LYME DISEASE

Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme Disease is caused by a bite from an infected deer tick and is usually characterized by a red mark on the skin near the bite and flu-like symptoms that can occur several days to several weeks following the bite.

Wooded and high grassy areas may be infested with deer ticks. When in these areas, dress appropriately and use tick repellents on clothing and/or skin as indicated by the manufacturer. Brush off clothing and pets before entering the house and inspect for ticks. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are very important.

Contact the New Jersey Department of Health at 800-792-8831 or the Township Health Department for more information on Lyme disease, or visit The US Center for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/.