The NJ Department of health tells TLS that a man in New Jersey has died from the West Nile Virus, the first reported case in New Jersey since 2013.
The spokesperson says the 65-year-old Passaic County man died on August 29 while hospitalized, and it was confirmed that he died as a result of the illness.
New Jersey had no West Nile Virus-related deaths last year, and there were two such deaths in 2013, the spokesperson said.
In 2013, the DOH reported that West Nile Virus has been detected in almost every County, including Ocean.
2012 was the most active West Nile Virus season in the state’s history with 48 cases and six fatalities. Three of the 48 cases from last year were reported from Burlington County, including one fatality. In 2011, there were seven cases and no fatalities. In 2010, there were 30 cases and two fatalities.
The spike in West Nile Virus came from Superstorm Sandy, which created many new places for mosquitos to breed, including depressions left by fallen trees.
The Department also offered the following tips that could help avoid the illness.
Use insect repellent when outdoors.
• DEET is the “gold-standard” for mosquito repellents. Choose the proper percent of
DEET for the amount of time you will be spending outdoors. The higher the
concentration, the longer the protection. Follow all directions carefully.
• Do not apply to eyes, mouth, or broken skin (cuts, scrapes, etc.).
• Do not apply to skin that is covered with clothing.
• Avoid using products that combine sunscreen with insect repellent. Apply separate
products.
• Do not use products that contain permethrin on skin. Spray onto clothing only.
Permethrin can also be sprayed on gear such as hats, tents and sleeping bags.
Note: DEET and other repellents can be used on children older than two
months of age. Apply repellent to your hands and then rub onto children.
Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children younger than three
years of age.
Wear light-colored clothes with long sleeves and long pants. Mosquitoes are more attracted
to dark-colored clothes.
Limit time outdoors when mosquitoes are most active (during dusk and dawn).
Use mosquito netting on infant carriers and strollers while outdoors.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
Drain standing water.
• Clean out gutters and drains.
• Dispose of old tires. Drill holes in tire swings.
• Drain standing water from pool covers. Make sure pool covers are pulled tight. Keep
pools chlorinated Flip over plastic children’s pools when not in use.
• Drain or change water every four days in containers such as pet dishes, flower pots,
wheelbarrows, birdbaths, decorative pools and rain barrels. Decorative pools and rain
barrels can be stocked with a special type of fish that feed on mosquito larvae.
• Cover garbage and recycling containers. Remove any loose garbage from your yard
such as bottle caps, pie plates, food containers, etc.
• Check swing sets, lawn furniture and decorations, toys, etc. for standing water.
Install or repair window screens.
Call your county mosquito control agency at 1-888-NO NJ WNV for more information on mosquito control activities in your neighborhood, or to report mosquito problems in your yard.
[TLS]