Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
NJ health officials detect first 3 cases of West Nile virus this year
By
Phil Corso
Published Aug 25, 2022
Modified Aug 26, 2022
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
By
Phil Corso
Published Aug 25, 2022
Modified Aug 26, 2022
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The New Jersey Department of Health identified the state's first human cases of West Nile virus this year.
Three men tested positive earlier this month in Bergen, Morris, and Ocean counties, the health department said in a statement. All three men, including two in their 50s and one in his 80s, were hospitalized. The health department said two of the men were sent home to recover while one remained hospitalized.
A total of 293 mosquitoes and a red-tailed hawk were also found to be carrying West Nile virus in the state, the health department said.
An average of eight people are infected with West Nile virus every year, but 2021 ended well above that with 36 human cases, the health department said, due to heightened levels in mosquitoes recently.
“August and September are the months that we see most West Nile virus cases in New Jersey," Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said in a statement. "It is important that residents take steps to protect themselves by using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants and avoiding the outdoors during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active."
People over the age of 50 and those with weakened immune systems are typically at greater risk of becoming severely ill. Most people develop asymptomatic infections or a mild to moderate fever, the health department said. More serious symptoms could include severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, or paralysis.
“Controlling New Jersey’s mosquito population is a major part of protecting our public health,” New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said in a statement. “While we have been seeing unusually dry weather this summer, people can help by removing any standing water in their yards and covering any empty containers that can hold water for more than three days. Even small amounts of rain following these drought-like conditions can produce significant numbers of container-inhabiting mosquitoes known to spread West Nile virus.”
Weekly reports on West Nile activity are available on the health department’s website.
Tagged
west nile virus
Phil Corso
Phil Corso is the evening news editor at WNYC/Gothamist. Got a tip? Email [email protected].
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Landslide or nailbiter? For House hopefuls, NY Gov. Hochul’s margin matters
Hochul’s margin of victory — if she wins — could have major implications for Democratic congressional candidates
By
Jon Campbell
Published Oct 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. ET
NY Dems push bill in Congress to restore healthcare coverage, putting GOP on the spot
The proposal emerges just ahead of the midterm elections and aims to undo cuts forced by Trump and Republicans.
By
Caroline Lewis
News
NY Dems push bill in Congress to restore healthcare coverage, putting GOP on the spot
The proposal emerges just ahead of the midterm elections and aims to undo cuts forced by Trump and Republicans.
By
Caroline Lewis
Lost SNAP benefits? NYC says you can reapply for 3 more months of aid
By
Karen Yi
MTA delays slow Thursday morning's rush hour to a crawl
By
David Giambusso
Early Addition: Is Canal Street finally getting wider sidewalks?
By
James Ramsay
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .