The New Jersey Health Department is reporting an additional six West Nile virus (WNV) cases, including two deaths.

This follows the state’s first human case of Eastern Equine encephalitis (EEE) and earlier two cases of West Nile virus infection. The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases and to reduce mosquito populations on their properties.

WNV and EEE are viruses which people most often acquire through the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird or other animal.

The six new WNV cases are residents of Bergen, Camden, Cumberland, Hudson, Mercer, and Middlesex counties (one 50+, two 60+, one 70+, two 80+). The two individuals who died were older adults from Cumberland and Mercer counties. Previously, two human cases of WNV were reported this year in Middlesex and Union counties.

Seven out of the eight cases were hospitalized with neuroinvasive disease, including encephalitis (swelling of the brain) or meningitis (swelling of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord).

During routine testing of blood donations, three asymptomatic blood donors from Bergen, Passaic, and Somerset Counties were found to be positive for WNV. This comprehensive testing ensures that all blood donations are screened for WNV, significantly reducing the risk of contracting WNV from blood transfusions and keeping the blood supply safe.

One human case of EEE was reported in Atlantic County with symptom onset in early July. This was an individual under 18 years of age who was hospitalized but has since been discharged. EEE human cases were last reported in 2019 when the state reported four cases. An EEE-positive horse was also reported in Atlantic County with symptom onset in early August.

“The best way to prevent these diseases is to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent, protective clothing or gear, and avoiding peak mosquito hours,” said NJ Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, M.D. “New Jersey has a long and robust mosquito control and prevention program at the state and local levels, which helps to bolster our protections.”

To protect against mosquito-borne diseases, residents should:

• Wear EPA-registered insect repellant.
• Avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants.
• Cover crib, stroller and baby carrier with mosquito netting.
• Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outside and use air conditioning when possible or ensure you have well-fitted screens.

Residents, business owners, and contractors also can take steps to reduce mosquito populations on their properties by emptying or changing outdoor standing water at least weekly to stop mosquito breeding. Areas that may need attention include flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, clogged rain gutters, plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows, and any containers or trash that may be difficult to see such as under bushes, homes, or around building exteriors.

Most people infected with WNV or EEE will have no symptoms. For those who do, symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, and joint pains. Rarely, people may develop severe neurological illness, which often presents as meningitis or encephalitis. Symptoms of severe illness include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes/confusion, limb weakness, and fatigue.

Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness. Specific laboratory tests are needed to confirm WNV and EEE, so anyone with symptoms after a mosquito bite should contact their health care provider.

Recovery from severe illness might take several weeks or months and some effects might be permanent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately a third of all people with Eastern Equine encephalitis and 1 in 10 people with WNV severe neurological illness die.

The first WNV case was reported this year in early July, which is earlier than what is typically seen in New Jersey. In a typical year, there are 13 human WNV infections reported. Last year, New Jersey had 14 human cases of WNV and one death.