NEW JERSEY — New Jersey has reported its first confirmed West Nile virus death of 2026 as state health officials urge people to continue taking precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses.
The New Jersey Department of Health said 26 West Nile virus cases have been reported statewide so far this year. Nineteen people have experienced neurological illness, and 69% of all cases have involved people age 60 and older.
Fourteen of the cases became ill during the last week of August or in September, and several additional cases are under investigation, according to the state.
Monmouth County has reported the most cases with six, followed by Mercer County with four and Camden County with three.
“When we see numbers increasing and loss of life from WNV, we are reminded that prevention is key and we must all play our part,” said Dr. Raynard E. Washington, Commissioner of Health. “We extend our condolences to the individual’s family and urge our residents to continue to take the necessary steps to prevent mosquito bites and to help reduce mosquito populations in and around their homes.”
West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. The virus is not directly transmitted from birds to humans.
Health officials said mosquitoes remain active and urged people to use EPA-registered insect repellent, avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, wear long sleeves and pants and use mosquito netting over cribs, strollers and baby carriers.
People are also encouraged to eliminate standing water around homes and businesses. Potential mosquito breeding areas include flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, clogged rain gutters, plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows.
Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. Those who do may experience fever, chills, body aches and joint pain. In rare cases, the virus can cause severe neurological illness, including meningitis or encephalitis.
Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of severe illness. Symptoms of severe illness can include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes or confusion, weakness in the limbs and fatigue.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, and laboratory testing is needed to confirm an infection, according to state health officials.
West Nile virus has been detected in 1,182 mosquito pools across all 21 New Jersey counties this year. State officials said detections have been highest in Mercer, Hudson, Somerset, Bergen and Middlesex counties and have remained above historical averages in recent weeks.
“We are urging residents to stay vigilant against mosquito bites even as cooler weather approaches. You can protect yourself and your family by turning over or removing items that collect water and serve as breeding grounds for the insects,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Ed Potosnak. “These simple measures help reduce nuisance mosquito populations and support the state’s Mosquito Control Commission as they work closely with county mosquito control agencies to protect the public from mosquito-borne diseases.”
State and county mosquito control programs are continuing efforts to reduce the potential transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.
“Fall does not mean mosquito season ends,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn. “The cooler weather makes it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and visit our farms, but mosquitoes remain active and can still pose risks. We encourage everyone to take simple precautions to protect themselves.”
West Nile virus can also pose a serious threat to horses. State officials said infected horses do not increase the risk of human infection because, like humans, they are considered “dead-end” hosts and cannot pass the virus back to mosquitoes.
Vaccines are available for horses against West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis, and owners whose horses are not current on their vaccinations are encouraged to contact their veterinarian.
