1st Human Cases Of West Nile Virus Infections Hit NJ: What To Know

Health officials have confirmed the state's first human cases of West Nile virus this year, including infections in Atlantic and Middlesex counties.

A child in Atlantic County tested positive for West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease with symptoms appearing in late July, while an adult in Middlesex County developed symptoms in early August, health officials said. Meanwhile, four additional suspected cases remain under investigation.

An additional report of an asymptomatic WNV-positive blood donor was reported in a Sussex County resident.

Both patients have been released from the hospital and are recovering at home.

The virus was first detected in mosquitoes unusually early this year – in April rather than the summer months.

The cases come as mosquito surveillance shows high levels of the virus circulating throughout the state. West Nile has been detected in 776 mosquito pools across all New Jersey counties – higher than this same time last year, which saw 41 human cases and eight deaths.

“While the number of WNV human infections is lower than last year, we are seeing high levels of virus circulating in mosquitoes. As mosquito season can last into early November, depending on weather conditions, bite prevention will be essential in protecting yourself and your family against mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus in the remaining summer weeks and into the fall,” Acting New Jersey Health Commissioner Jeff Brown said.

“This means avoiding mosquito bites through tried-and-true methods, like using insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, and taking steps to keep mosquitoes outside the home.”

Most WNV cases occur between mid-August and mid-September. In a typical year, there are 14 human WNV infections reported, although that number can vary substantially year-to-year. Last year, New Jersey had 41 human cases of WNV, including eight fatalities.

Most people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms. About 20 percent develop mild illness with fever, headaches, and body aches. Less than 1 percent develop severe neurological complications that can be fatal, particularly those over 50 or with compromised immune systems.

Officials urge residents to eliminate standing water on their properties, use insect repellent, and wear protective clothing.

To protect against mosquito-borne diseases, residents should:

• Wear EPA-registered insect repellent.

• Treat clothing with permethrin or use pre-treated clothing.

• Wear long sleeves and long pants and cover exposed skin.

• Cover cribs, strollers, and baby carriers with mosquito netting.

• Mosquito-proof your yard and home by dumping standing water.

• Use air conditioning, when possible, and use well-maintained window and door screens to keep mosquitos outside of your home.

“We are urging the public to not let their guard down and continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites by turning over or removing items that collect water in order to eliminate all standing water on their property,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette.

“While the DEP continues to support the needs of local mosquito control programs, it’s important that each of us do our part to protect public health.”

NJDOH can assist health care providers with testing for WNV and other arboviruses, including Powassan, Eastern equine encephalitis, and Jamestown Canyon virus. Testing information is available at nj.gov/health/cd/topics/vectorborne.shtml.

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