West Nile Virus Back In NJ, Here's How To Avoid Getting Infected

As the summer months drag on in the Garden State, the humid, swampy conditions increase the risk of West Nile Virus.

After a 2024 that saw the third-highest total of human cases in New Jersey over the last 15 years, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are again warning the public of the risks and prevention efforts you can take to avoid being infected.

West Nile Virus from an infected mosquito is spread through a simple bite, and was first identified in the United States in 1999. Anyone can be infected, with those aged 55 and older with weakened immune systems at a higher risk, according to the CDC. A fever, headache, body aches and a rash are some of the more mild symptoms that show in patients, while a high fever, stiff neck and even swelling of the brain can also occur. West Nile Virus can also be deadly in some patients.

2 Die In NJ From West Nile Virus As Health Officials Urge Caution

The presence of the virus has been confirmed in multiple counties across New Jersey so far in 2025. Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Gloucester, Middlesex, Morris, Union and Warren counties have all reported non-human activity.

The most recent case was found last week in Atlantic County. Two mosquito pool samples from two towns have tested positive, county health officials said.

The samples were collected on July 24 from the 700 block of W. Park Avenue in Pleasantville and the 600 block of Kingsley Avenue in Ventnor. A previous sample collected from the 300 block of Royal Avenue in Linwood was the first positive pool this year.

While there have been no human cases reported in New Jersey yet in 2025, the presence of West Nile along with recent trends still pose a serious risk. The 41 people infected in 2024 accounted for the third-highest per year since 2010. Of the confirmed human cases during that 15-year period, New Jersey Department of Health data shows 62.8 percent were found in people ages 50 through 79. The highest total dating back to 2010 was the 61 reported in 2018.

While there is no direct treatment for West Nile Virus, the CDC says the top way to avoid being infected is by taking available steps to avoid mosquito bites. These include using repellent (bug spray) on your skin, wearing long-sleeved clothing, treating clothing and gear with repellent, and using mitigation efforts to control the presence of mosquitoes inside and outside the home. Mosquitoes bite at both day and night.

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