West Nile Virus Detected In North Jersey Town: Health Officials

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — A potentially debilitating mosquito-borne illness has been detected in a Sussex County town, health officials say.

West Nile Virus has been found in Hopatcong, according to the Sussex County Office of Mosquito Control.

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Officials are warning residents to be aware of and prepared for mosquito-borne illnesses. Older residents, people with chronic illnesses, and those with weak immune systems are most at risk, according to experts.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, now is the peak season for West Nile Virus, August through September.

While roughly 80 percent of people who contract West Nile Virus will not feel symptoms, around 20 percent will experience mild symptoms like headache or body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rashes. These can last from weeks to months.

Less than one percent can experience severe symptoms, including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, muscle weakness, paralysis, and potentially death, without proper treatment.

Sussex County health officials recommend the following to avoid getting bitten by potentially West Nile-carrying mosquitoes:

• Where EPA-regulated bug spray.
• Wear long and loose clothing when outdoors.
• Avoid being outside around dusk and dawn.
• Use screens on windows and doors, and turn on your air conditioning.

To learn more about West Nile Virus, and how to avoid it, click here.