PO Box 360 October 2, 2026 |
Raynard E. Washington |
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| NJ Reminds Residents to Continue to Take Precautions Against Mosquito-Borne Illnesses |
One Confirmed Death Attributed to West Nile Virus Reported in New Jersey |
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TRENTON, NJ – State officials are urging residents to continue to take simple, proactive steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito-borne illness. To date in 2026, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is reporting 26 cases of West Nile virus (WNV), including the State’s first confirmed death. Of these, 19 individuals have experienced neurological illness, and 69 percent of all cases have occurred in persons 60 years of age and older. Fourteen of the WNV cases became ill in the last week of August or in September, and several more cases are currently under investigation. Monmouth County has reported the highest number of cases (6), followed by Mercer (4) and Camden (3) counties. “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.” WNV is a disease that people can acquire through the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. It is not directly transmitted from birds to humans. NJDOH is encouraging all residents to remain vigilant because mosquitoes are still active. By taking preventive measures – such as reducing standing water and eliminating mosquito breeding sites around their properties – individuals can significantly lower their risk of exposure. Guard against mosquito-borne diseases with these simple, everyday steps: Residents, business owners, and contractors all play an important role in reducing mosquito populations on their properties. Because mosquitoes breed in standing water, emptying or changing outdoor water sources at least once a week can effectively interrupt their breeding cycle. Common problem areas to check include flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, clogged rain gutters, plastic wading pools, and wheelbarrows. It is also important to check less visible spots where water and debris can collect, such as under bushes, along building exteriors, and around the foundations of homes and businesses. It is important for residents to understand how these viruses can affect the body. Early symptoms of WNV may be confused with COVID-19 or several other common viral illnesses. Most people infected with West Nile Virus (WNV) will not develop any symptoms at all. Among those who do, common symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, and joint pain. In rare cases, however, this can lead to severe neurological illness, most often in the form of meningitis or encephalitis. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness. Signs of severe illness may include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes or confusion, weakness in the limbs, and fatigue. Anyone experiencing these more serious symptoms should seek medical attention promptly. Specific laboratory tests are needed to confirm WNV, so anyone with symptoms after a mosquito bite should contact their healthcare provider. There is currently no specific treatment for WNV. The detection of WNV in mosquitoes in recent weeks has also been higher than historical averages. WNV has been detected in 1,182 mosquito pools in all New Jersey counties this year. WNV detections in mosquitoes are highest in Mercer, Hudson, Somerset Bergen and Middlesex counties. “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.” The state and county mosquito control programs are working together to minimize potential transmission of these diseases to humans. “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 Niles virus is not just a concern for people; it can also be a serious threat to horses. Fortunately, infected horses do not increase the risk of human infection. Like humans, horses are considered "dead-end" hosts, which means the virus cannot be passed from them back to mosquitoes and on to other animals or people. Because safe and effective vaccines are available for both EEE and WNV, horse owners have a reliable way to protect their animals. Owners whose horses are not current on their vaccinations should reach out to their veterinarian right away. To learn more about preventing mosquito-borne diseases visit NJDOH’s West Nile webpage and NJDEP’s mosquito webpage. To safeguard your household and animals, available resources are below: Resources: # # # The New Jersey Department of Health is a nationally accredited health department working to ensure that all New Jerseyans live long, healthy lives and reach their fullest potential. With more than 6,000 employees, the Department serves to protect the public’s health, promote healthy communities, and continue to improve the quality of health care in New Jersey. |
