West Nile virus kills first New Jersey patient this year as NYC count reaches 34
A South Jersey resident over 60 died after New Jersey's case count passed last year's total. New York City has 34 cases and no deaths.
A South Jersey resident over 60 has died of West Nile virus, New Jersey’s first death from the mosquito-borne illness this year, the state Department of Health said Sunday. The department did not release the person’s name.
New Jersey had confirmed 26 cases as of Thursday, and officials are investigating several more possible cases. Nineteen of the confirmed patients had neurological illness, and 69% were over 60. The state has already passed last year’s total of 23 cases. In 2024, it recorded 41.
Monmouth County has the most cases, with six. Hudson County has two, and Essex, Passaic and Union counties have one each. Bergen County has none. About half of the state’s cases were reported in the last week of August and in September, so New Jersey’s numbers rose while the national pace slowed.
West Nile virus cases in New York City
The New York State Department of Health had reported 54 cases statewide as of Sept. 26, and 34 of them were in New York City. The city has reported no West Nile deaths this year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has counted 987 cases in 43 states this year. In July, the CDC said the season had started fast and aggressively across the country. It has slowed in recent months. According to the CDC, older adults and people with underlying health conditions face a higher risk of severe illness.
How to prevent mosquito bites in the fall
People catch the virus from mosquito bites. Dr. Raynard Washington, New Jersey’s health commissioner, urged residents to keep protecting themselves from mosquitoes as the weather cools. “When we see numbers increasing and loss of life from WNV, we are reminded that prevention is key,” he said in a statement.
Mosquitoes bite most in the early morning and around sunset, so state health officials say those hours call for extra care. Their advice for time outdoors is to cover up with long sleeves and long pants and to use an EPA-approved insect repellent. Dumping standing water and regularly changing outdoor water sources keeps mosquitoes from breeding.
Quick answers
How many West Nile virus cases are in New York City this year?
New York State reported 34 cases in New York City as of Sept. 26, out of 54 statewide, with no deaths in the city.
How can I protect myself from West Nile virus?
Health officials advise long sleeves, long pants and EPA-approved insect repellent, with extra care in the early morning and around sunset, plus dumping standing water so mosquitoes cannot breed.
Who is most at risk of severe West Nile illness?
According to the CDC, older adults and people with underlying health conditions face a higher risk of severe illness.
