Community Corner
2nd Bergen County Resident Dies Of West Nile Virus
The 'elderly woman' died this month, the New Jersey Health Department said.
A second Bergen County resident has died of West Nile virus this month, authorities announced Monday.
The resident was "an elderly woman," the New Jersey Department of Health said in a news release.
“The number of human West Nile virus cases is the highest we’ve seen since 2012, and the season is not over yet,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal. “The pattern of hot and wet weather this summer has led to an increase in mosquito populations and associated viruses.”
Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Bergen County Executive James Tedesco has been working with the state Department of Health and is working with minimizing the impact of mosquito-borne diseases, Elnahal said.
County officials have sprayed the highest-risk areas for mosquitoes to help protect the public.
Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is not spread from person to person. Many people infected do not become ill and may not develop symptoms.
About 20 percent of infected people will develop West Nile fever. When symptoms occur, they may be mild or severe. Mild symptoms include flu-like illness with fever, headache, body aches, nausea and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach, and back.
State health officials are greatly concerned about the number of West Nile virus cases in New Jersey.
"The warm and wet weather we have experienced increases the mosquito population," said Assistant Commissioner for Natural and Historic Resources Ray Bukowski. "Even as the weather cools, it is very important for the public to eliminate even the smallest amounts of standing water from their properties, to reduce the risk of exposure to mosquito bites and mosquito-borne illnesses. Safeguarding public health is critical."
State health officials were investigating the death of Terry Maikisch, a 62-year-old Lodi resident, who reportedly also died of the virus earlier this month, his family said. (See related: State Probes Possible West Nile Virus Death In Bergen County)
Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com
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