[ad_1]
A second resident of Bergen County died of West Nile virus this month, authorities said Monday.
The resident was "an elderly woman," the New Jersey Department of Health said in a press release.
"The number of West Nile virus cases in humans is the highest we've seen since 2012, and the season is not over yet," said New Jersey Health Commissioner. , Dr. Shereef Elnahal. "This summer's hot and humid climate has resulted in an increase in mosquito populations and associated viruses."
Bergen County's director, James Tedesco, has worked with the state's health department and works to minimize the impact of mosquito-borne diseases, said Elnahal.
County officials sprayed areas most at risk for mosquitoes to protect the public.
West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is not transmitted from person to person. Many infected people do not get sick and do not develop symptoms.
About 20% of those infected will develop West Nile fever. When symptoms appear, they can be mild or severe. Mild symptoms include a flu-like illness with fever, headache, body aches, nausea and sometimes swollen lymph nodes or rash on the chest, stomach and back.
Public health officials are very concerned about the number of cases of West Nile virus in New Jersey.
"The warm, wet weather we've seen is increasing the mosquito population," said Ray Bukowski, Assistant Commissioner of Natural and Historical Resources. "Even though the temperature is getting colder, it is very important that the public removes the smallest amounts of stagnant water from their properties, to reduce the risk of exposure to mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases.
State health authorities were investigating the death of 62-year-old Lodi resident Terry Maikisch, who also died earlier this month, his family said. (See related: State probes possible West Nile virus deaths in Bergen County)
Email: [email protected]
Image via Shutterstock
Get the Ridgewood-Glen Rock Newsletter
[ad_2]
Source link
