The State Department of Health confirmed that a 62-year-old man from Lodi was suffering from West Nile virus when he died this month, the first death linked to the mosquito-borne virus in the state this year.

The Lodi resident was one of 25 West Nile virus cases reported in New Jersey so far in 2018. Bergen County reported six cases, the largest number in the state. The counties of Morris and Passaic each have a reported case.

On Thursday, the Bergen County Executive said the agencies "have worked tirelessly to limit the amount of mosquito and mosquito-borne diseases in our region."

More cases of West Nile virus have been reported in the state this year than any year since 2012, when 48 people were diagnosed and six died. New Jersey has experienced a sharp increase in mosquito population carrying infection due to heavy rains and recent floods.

In Lodi, the county carried out a "mosquito treatment" last Saturday and will spray the same neighborhood this week. Treatment will be on Highway 46 East, south of Hunter Street and Main Street, and east to Oak Grove Avenue between 4 and 6 o'clock. Residents in the area are encouraged to close their windows and bring pets during treatment.

Lodi shared Monday on his website with information reminding residents that the mosquito season is not over.

West Nile virus does not cause symptoms in most people, although one in five infected centers can develop fever, headaches, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rashes. . People over 60 are at greater risk of complications.

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To protect against West Nile virus, the CDC suggests using insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants on the outside. If you use sunscreen, apply it before an insect repellent.

The agency also recommends not to use insect repellent in babies less than 2 months old. Instead, parents should dress babies in clothes that cover their arms and legs and cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito nets.

The first human case in the state was confirmed in August.

Mosquito sucking blood. (Photo: auimeesri, Getty Images / iStockphoto)

The number of mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile virus is also the highest ever reported, and continues to increase, state health officials said. The virus is affecting birds, and more sick and dead birds have been reported than in previous years, they said.

The counties of Morris, Bergen and Hunterdon each reported that more than 100 mosquito pools tested positive for the virus. In general, the northwestern part of the state does not see as many positive tests for mosquitoes, public health officials said.

On Thursday, the Bergen County Executive Office warned in a statement: "Due to the rainy and hot weather we have experienced recently, the mosquito season is not over.

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Lodi Lodi officials wait to hear whether the resident's death was linked to West Nile

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