West Nile Virus Cases Surge In NJ, Including First Death In 3 Years

NEW JERSEY — Mosquitos are having a field day in New Jersey, and their presence has caused a record surge in West Nile Virus cases. The state has reported 28 infections this year — more than triple its average annual total.

New Jersey also reported its first death from the virus since 2018 — a Camden County man in his 60s who died July 16.

People can acquire the disease through the bite of a mosquito that has fed off an infected bird, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. Last summer's wet and hot conditions helped produce more mosquitos, which spread the virus.

“We are seeing an increase in mosquitos at present due to the recent flooding from Ida,” said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “DEP is working closely with every county’s mosquito control program and posting safety guidance for residents on our social media channels."

New Jersey reports eights West Nile cases in a typical year. But so far, officials have detected 28 infections in 11 counties — eight confirmed and 20 probable. Cases most commonly emerge in August and September.

As of Oct. 2 — the end of New Jersey's last reported data set — the confirmed cases appeared in the following counties: Bergen (two), Burlington (one), Camden (two), Essex (one), Gloucester (one) and Somerset (one). Probable cases were detected in the counties of Bergen (one), Burlington (five), Camden (three), Cumberland (one), Essex (three), Middlesex (one), Ocean (one), Monmouth (four) and Mercer (one).

For many people, the virus causes asymptomatic infection, or a mild to moderate illness produces a fever. But people older than 50 and those with weak immune systems have a greater risk of developing severe illness.

About one in 150 people will develop a more severe form of the disease. Symptoms can include severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.

“It is important to remind residents to continue to take precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites,” said NJDOH Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “Using an insect repellant and avoiding being outdoors when mosquitos are active are just some of the steps residents can take to stay safe from mosquito-borne illnesses.”

The state health department recommends the following for protection against mosquito-borne illnesses:

• Apply EPA-registered insect repellant.
• Avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk, when mosquitos are most active.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants.
• Cover cribs, strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
• Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outside, and use air conditioning when possible.