The New Jersey Department of Health and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection are urging residents to take precautions after one resident died from West Nile virus.
West Nile virus is a disease that is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that inhales an infected bird.
Seven other virus-related cases have been reported in New Jersey this season, with six people hospitalized.
Officials said four of the cases were reported in Bergen County, including one death, three in Middlesex County and one in Camden County.
In New Jersey, most West Nile virus cases were reported in August and September.
Current Department of Health research shows that West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes is high, with a significantly larger pool of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes this year compared to five years ago.
The health department said people infected with the virus can experience symptoms such as severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.
According to the Department of Health, about 1 in 150 people can develop a serious, sometimes fatal neurological disease, and people over 50 and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe disease. is said to be higher.
In a typical year, New Jersey reports about eight cases, but last year there were 20 cases and four deaths.
The health department lists the main ways to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases.
- Wear EPA-registered insect repellent.
- Avoid being outdoors at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Please wear long sleeves and long pants.
- Cover cribs, strollers, and baby carriers with mosquito nets.
- Repair holes in your screen door to keep mosquitoes out, use air conditioning if possible, or make sure your screen door is properly installed.
Residents and businesses can also reduce mosquito populations by making sure to empty standing water outdoors to stop mosquito breeding.
For more information, please visit: www.nj.gov/health.
