Bergen County resident dies from West Nile virus
In a typical year, there are about eight West Nile virus infections reported, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
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New Jersey residents are being urged to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases and reduce mosquito populations on their properties after a Bergen County resident died from West Nile virus.
According to the New Jersey Department of Health, there are eight known cases of the virus in New Jersey for the season – four in Bergen, three in Middlesex and one in Camden.
To date, seven of the eight West Nile virus cases reported in New Jersey have experienced neurological illness, and six cases have been hospitalized, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The agency says in a typical year, there are about eight West Nile virus infections reported. There were 20 cases and four deaths reported in 2022.
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With continued rainfall and warm weather, residents can expect the mosquito season and the potential for disease transmission to extend well into the fall, said New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette.
To protect against mosquito borne diseases, NJDEP and NJDOH say residents should:
Wear EPA-registered insect repellant.
Avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active.
Wear long sleeves and long pants.
Cover crib, stroller and baby carrier with mosquito netting.
Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outside and use air conditioning when possible or ensure you have well-fitted screens.
Residents, business owners, and contractors can take steps to reduce mosquito populations on their properties by emptying or changing outdoor standing water at least weekly to stop mosquito breeding.
