New Jersey Reports First West Nile Virus Death of the Year
By Matthew Sedacca
Published Sep. 16, 2023, 10:16 a.m. ET
New Jersey has reported its first West Nile virus death of the year, according to officials. The death occurred in Bergen County and is one of eight cases reported so far this year across the state. Six of the cases have required hospitalization, New Jersey’s Health Department stated.
State officials also noted that more mosquito pools infected with the virus have been identified this year compared to the five-year average. However, no West Nile virus deaths have been reported in New York City thus far. As of Friday, there have been 16 cases reported across all five boroughs, with the majority of the cases in Queens, according to the city’s Health Department.
West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States, with cases typically occurring during the summer and fall, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Roughly one in five people infected with the virus develop symptoms, while only one in about 150 people develop severe illness, including fever, headache, altered mental status, muscle weakness, and paralysis.
In 2022, New Jersey recorded 20 human West Nile virus cases, resulting in four fatalities. In New York City, there were 46 cases reported, including two deaths, according to the city’s Health Department.
As the summer season continues, health officials are urging residents in affected areas to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
Sources:
– Getty Images
– boomerang11 – stock.adobe.com
– elenabsl – stock.adobe.com