West Nile Virus Claims Woman's Life In Monmouth County

A 57-year-old Monmouth County woman has died from West Nile virus, according to state health officials.

The woman was hospitalized in late August with encephalitis and was discharged to a rehabilitation center, where she died Sept. 9, said Dawn Thomas, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Health.

Another person died in Passaic County recently, she said. There are 10 current West Nile cases, Thomas said.

Thomas said the state only releases the county of a person who has died of the virus.The Asbury Park Press reported the woman is from Wall, after speaking with someone who reportedly knew her.

”We are in the middle of our peak season, but this is a typical West Nile season,” she said. “Mosquito pools have tested positive in all 21 counties -- meaning West Nile virus is statewide.”

The presence of West Nile virus in Monmouth County prompted a ground-based spraying to kill mosquitoes last week. Monmouth County officials said the spraying was conducted in Wall, Spring Lake and the West Belmar section of Wall as a result of the West Nile virus activity in the area.

West Nile virus is transmitted to people by the bite of an infected mosquito, which contracts the virus from infected birds, according to the state health department. Most people bitten by infected mosquitoes don’t develop symptoms.

Symptoms, however, can develop within five to 15 days of a mosquito bite. They include low-grade fever, headache and swollen lymph glands. More severe symptoms include high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness, disorientation and brain inflammation.

The Centers for Disease Control says people can reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and, as a result, lower their exposure to insect-borne diseases by applying insect repellent, especially ones that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever possible.

Removing all areas of standing water in and around homes and businesses will stop mosquitoes from breeding. Prior to removal, standing water can be treated with pesticides to kill mosquito larvae.

For more information on how residents can protect themselves from West Nile virus, click here.