NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first human cases of West Nile virus this year, including a child in Atlantic County and an adult in Middlesex County, officials announced Thursday.
Both patients developed neuroinvasive disease, with symptoms appearing in late July and early August. They were hospitalized but have since been discharged and are recovering at home. Four additional suspected cases are under investigation, and an asymptomatic WNV-positive blood donor was reported in Sussex County.
“While the number of WNV human infections is lower than last year, we are seeing high levels of virus circulating in mosquitoes,” Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown said in a statement. “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.”
In 2024, New Jersey reported 41 human cases of West Nile virus, including eight deaths. A typical year sees about 14 cases statewide, though numbers fluctuate widely.
Health officials said most people infected with WNV show no symptoms, while about one in five develop fever, chills, headaches or body aches. Fewer than 1% develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system, which can cause paralysis, coma or death. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
The Department of Environmental Protection reported WNV has been detected in 776 mosquito pools this year, with the highest activity in northeastern counties including Bergen, Middlesex, Union, Essex and Hudson.
“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,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said.
Officials also urged horse owners to ensure their animals are vaccinated against WNV and Eastern Equine encephalitis (EEE), both of which can damage the nervous system. No cases in birds or horses have been reported this year.
Residents are advised to wear insect repellent, cover exposed skin, use window screens, and remove standing water from their property to reduce mosquito breeding.
More information, including weekly surveillance reports, is available on the state Department of Health’s website.
