Sussex County mosquito-control staff told the Board of County Commissioners on May 28 that unusually heavy rainfall in May has prevented planned aerial applications, and that additional delays occurred over Memorial Day weekend because of a presidential temporary flight restriction over northern New Jersey.

County staff said they will continue to survey and monitor mosquito populations and will use truck-based spraying when high populations are detected. Residents experiencing high mosquito abundance were given a hotline to request service: (973) 940-5225. The county also asked residents to expect higher mosquito numbers in the coming weeks.

Mosquito-borne disease surveillance began May 19; the county submitted 20 pools of adult mosquitoes for testing for West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, Jamestown Canyon virus and St. Louis encephalitis. Staff reported all 20 pools tested negative for those diseases.

Public outreach plans include a presence at Stillwater Day at Veterans Memorial Park (932 Pond Brook Road) on Saturday, June 7, starting at 2 p.m., and a tabletop display at municipal buildings (Lafayette, Andover and Newton) from May 27 through June 13. Free spotted-lanternfly traps are available to all Sussex County residents; pickup is by appointment Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Residents who meet eligibility for the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJCEED) program were also reminded of a women's health screening clinic on June 5 at the Office of Public Health Nursing in Hamburg; appointments are available through the Office of Public Health Nursing.