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NJ reports first West Nile Virus death of the year
By
Michael Sol Warren
Published Oct 4, 2026
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By
Michael Sol Warren
Published Oct 4, 2026
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New Jersey authorities have reported the first death from the West Nile Virus this year.
The New Jersey Department of Health has not named the individual, but told Gothamist on Sunday that the person lived in South Jersey and was over 60 years old.
Back in July, the Centers for Disease Control said the season reported a fast and aggressive start to the season nationally, though it has slowed in recent months. There have been 987 West Nile cases in 43 states so far this year, the CDC said.
There have been 26 cases of West Nile Virus reported in New Jersey as of Thursday, according to the health department, and several more possible cases are being investigated. Of the confirmed cases, 19 have caused people to experience neurological illness, and 69% of cases have occurred in people who are over 60.
Older adults and people with underlying health issues are at increased risk for severe illness, according to the CDC.
While the national West Nile Virus trend has slowed down, activity in the Garden State has picked up. Roughly half of New Jersey’s cases were reported in the final week of August and the month of September, according to the state health department.
The disease is spread to humans by mosquito bites. Dr. Raynard Washington, the commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health, urged residents to remain cautious of mosquitoes even as summer turns to fall and cooler temperatures move in.
“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,” Washington said in a statement.
State health authorities urge people to wear long sleeves and pants and use EPA-approved insect repellant when going outside, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Standing water should be dumped and outdoor water sources regularly changed to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Monmouth County has reported the most cases in the state with six this year. There have been two cases reported in Hudson County, and one each in Essex, Passaic and Union counties. No cases have been reported in Bergen County.
New Jersey has already surpassed last year’s case total for West Nile Virus, when 23 cases were reported. The state reported 41 cases in 2024.
The New York State Department of Health has reported 54 cases of West Nile Virus, including 34 in New York City, as of September 26. No deaths from the virus have been reported in New York City this year.
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Michael Sol Warren
Michael Sol Warren covers New Jersey for WNYC and Gothamist, and previously reported on issues around the Garden State for NJ Spotlight News and NJ Advance Media. He can be reached at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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