Sussex County mosquito control officials reported on July 9 that one mosquito pool in Vernon Township tested positive for La Crosse virus and one pool in Hopatcong Borough tested positive for West Nile virus.

County staff said this is the second detection of La Crosse virus in Sussex County (the first was detected in late September 2023). The West Nile detection is among the earliest on record for the county; officials said it is the second-earliest West Nile detection since testing began in 2002. Mosquito-control staff reported unusually high trap counts and above-average populations driven by recent heavy precipitation.

Officials advised residents to remove standing water from yards and containers, use EPA-registered insect repellents when outdoors, and report mosquito problems to the county mosquito control office at (973) 940-5225 for trapping and control service. The county said it will continue truck-mounted ULV spraying in areas with high mosquito activity and advised residents to anticipate high mosquito numbers for the next several weeks. Free spotted lanternfly traps are available for pickup at the mosquito control office by appointment during regular business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.