With the mid-Atlantic region now at peak season for mosquito-borne diseases, state health officials said Friday that eight people in New Jersey have tested positive for West Nile Virus this year, including one who died.  

Four of the West Nile cases, including the fatal infection, were reported in Bergen County. Three cases were diagnosed in Middlesex County and one in Camden County.  

At this point last year New Jersey had also reported eight cases, but no fatalities. By the end of 2022, the state had logged 20 cases, including four people who died. There were 36 cases recorded in 2021, with five fatalities, according to data from the Department of Health.    

West Nile virus is spread when mosquitoes transmit it from infected birds to humans and other animals. It does not spread from person to person. A blood test is used to determine infection. The virus causes mild fever in approximately 20% of cases and severe sickness for 1 in 150 people, according to federal health officials. 

“The best way to prevent West Nile Virus is to take precautions to protect yourself from mosquito bites,” said acting Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston. “Speak with a health care provider if you are concerned about WNV, particularly if you are experiencing neurological symptoms such as severe headache, confusion, seizures, weakness, and/or high fevers,” she said.  

As of Friday, seven of the eight people infected reported neurological symptoms like headache or confusion and six had been hospitalized, the department said.  

Experts recommend insect repellant, long sleeves and avoiding time outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when the bugs are most active. They also urge property owners to get rid of any standing water in planters, old tires or other containers.  

“With continued rainfall and warm weather, we can expect the mosquito season and the potential for disease transmission to extend well into the fall,” said New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, whose office works with county and local experts who test ponds and lakes for the presence of infected mosquito larvae.  

Regular sampling indicates that in recent weeks West Nile has been found in more waterbodies than in past years at this time, state data shows, although the infection levels remain within normal range for the year as a whole. The greatest concentrations so far this year appear to be in Bergen, Hudson and Middlesex counties although the virus has been found in every county except Cumberland, so far.