Two individuals in New Jersey have died of West Nile virus, state well being officers introduced Friday.
The deaths have been two of six new constructive circumstances of WNV tallied by the New Jersey Well being Division. The state’s circumstances have been present in individuals 50 years and older, in Bergen, Camden, Cumberland, Hudson, Mercer and Middlesex counties.
The sufferers that died have been in Cumberland and Mercer counties, based on the division’s replace.
Two prior circumstances within the state have been reported initially of August. Of the eight whole circumstances, officers mentioned seven have been hospitalized with neuroinvasive illness.
“The easiest way to stop these illnesses is to keep away from mosquito bites through the use of insect repellent, protecting clothes or gear, and avoiding peak mosquito hours,” mentioned NJ Well being Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston.
The state shared the next tricks to shield towards mosquito-borne illnesses:
- Put on EPA-registered insect repellant.
- Keep away from being outdoor throughout daybreak and nightfall when mosquitos are most lively.
- Put on lengthy sleeves and lengthy pants.
- Cowl crib, stroller and child provider with mosquito netting.
- Restore holes in screens to maintain mosquitoes exterior and use air-con when attainable or guarantee you’ve got well-fitted screens.
West Nile virus is usually unfold by means of the chew of an contaminated mosquito. Whereas most individuals don’t expertise signs, about 1 in 5 can develop a fever, headache, physique aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, based on the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. About 1 out of 150 contaminated individuals develop a critical, typically deadly, sickness.
West Nile virus was first reported within the U.S. in 1999 in New York. It regularly unfold throughout the nation. In 2003, there have been almost 10,000 circumstances.
