New Jersey has reported its first case of West Nile Virus of 2023. A Winslow Township resident tested positive for the virus in a lab test on July 17th, and an investigation was initiated.
West Nile Virus typically affects a small number of New Jersey residents each year, however residents should remain vigilant and watch for symptoms,” said Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Health Department.
The Camden County Department of Health says it is continuing to work with the Mosquito Commission to ensure that additional spraying and testing will be conducted in the area.
Symptoms of WNV include, but are not limited to: fever, headache, altered mental status, and other neurologic dysfunctions. WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States, though 4 out of 5 people who are infected do not feel symptoms. While only 1 in 50 people who are infected will develop a serious illness, four of the state’s 20 reported cases in 2022 turned fatal.
“The simple act of removing standing water from your property can help reduce the pest population in your neighborhood and assist the efforts of the commission,” the County said on its website.
The best way to protect yourself from mosquitoes is to use insect repellent. Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the active ingredients below. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- DEET
- Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
During the summer and fall months, the Camden County Mosquito Commission schedules spraying on an as-needed basis, based upon the results of their surveillance efforts and input from the public.
