The New Jersey Department of Health has reported the state’s first human cases of West Nile virus this year.  

A child tested positive for West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease in Atlantic County, with symptoms reported the third week of July. An adult in Middlesex County also tested positive for West Nile virus, with symptoms reported in the first week of August.

Both residents have been discharged from the hospital and are recovering at home. Four suspect cases of the virus are currently under investigation. An additional report of an asymptomatic West Nile virus-positive blood donor was reported in a Sussex County resident.  

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

“While the number of WNV human infections is lower than last year, we are seeing high levels of virus circulating in mosquitoes,” said Acting New Jersey Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. “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.

“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.”  

For many people, West Nile virus causes asymptomatic infection. One in five persons will develop a mild to moderate illness, typically with a fever, chills, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.  

Fewer than 1% of people infected will develop a more severe form of the disease that affects the central nervous system, requires hospitalization or results in death. People over age 50, with certain chronic medical conditions, or with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness.

Symptoms include a severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. Recovery from severe illness can take several weeks or months. Some effects might be permanent. 

Early symptoms might be confused with COVID-19 or several other common viral illnesses. Specific laboratory tests are needed to confirm West Nile virus, but there is no specific treatment. The best way to prevent the disease is to avoid mosquito bites. Persons who think they might have the disease or another mosquito-borne disease should contact a health- care provider.  

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. 

Resources:  

NJDOH – West Nile Virus Webpage: nj.gov/health/cd/topics/westnile.shtml  

NJDOH – Interactive Vector-Borne Disease Dashboard: dashboards.doh.nj.gov/views/public_dashboard/Intro  

NJDOH – Weekly Vector-Borne Surveillance Reports: nj.gov/health/cd/statistics/arboviral-stats  

NJDEP – Mosquito Control Webpage: nj.gov/dep/mosquito  

NJDA – Animal Health Webpage: nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah