1 Dead, 7 Infected By West Nile Virus In New Jersey

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – One New Jersey resident has died as the state reported eight cases of West Nile virus (WNV) on Friday.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health (NJ DOH), three cases were reported in Middlesex County, four in Bergen including one death and one in Camden counties.

WNV is a disease that people can get through the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. The disease is not directly transmitted from birds to humans.

August and September are when most WNV cases are reported in the state historically, the DOH said.

Based on ongoing surveillance, current WNV activity in mosquitoes is also high, with significantly more WNV-positive mosquitos identified this year compared to five-year averages, the DOH said.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the DOH are urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases and to reduce mosquito populations on their properties.

Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston said the best way to take precautions is to protect oneself from mosquito bites.

“Using an insect repellant and avoiding being outdoors especially between dusk and dawn when mosquitos are especially active are some of the steps residents can take to stay safe from mosquito-borne illnesses,” Baston said.

“Speak with a health care provider if you are concerned about WNV, particularly if you are experiencing neurological symptoms such as severe headache, confusion, seizures, weakness, and/or high fevers.”

With continued rainfall and warm weather, the mosquito season and the potential for disease transmission is expected to extend well into the fall, New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said.

“Managing our mosquito population, through our mosquito control agencies and individual efforts to eliminate suitable habitats for the insects, plays an important role in protecting public health. Get rid of standing water in your yard and cover or turn over any empty containers that can hold water for several days,” LaTourette said.

For many people, the virus causes asymptomatic infection or a mild to moderate febrile illness. About one in 150 people will develop a serious, sometimes fatal neurological illness, with symptoms such as severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis.

People over 50 years of age and people with weak immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness.

To date, seven of the eight WNV cases reported in New Jersey have experienced neurological illness, and six cases have been hospitalized.

Typically in a year, there are about eight WNV infections reported. There were 20 WNV cases and four deaths reported in 2022.

For testing information on WNV and other arboviruses, including Powassan and Eastern equine encephalitis, visit: at www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/vectorborne.shtml.

For information on WNV, visit NJDOH’s West Nile webpage and NJDEP’s mosquito webpage.