The New Jersey Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first human West Nile virus (WNV) cases this year: a child in Atlantic County and an adult in Middlesex County. Symptoms began in the third week of July and the first week of August, respectively. Both patients were hospitalized and have since been discharged to recover at home. The state is investigating four additional suspect cases, and an asymptomatic blood donor in Sussex County tested positive for WNV.
Most WNV infections occur from mid-August to mid-September. In a typical year, New Jersey sees about 14 human infections, though totals vary; in 2024, the state recorded 41 cases, including eight deaths. Officials note mosquito season can continue into early November, depending on weather, so prevention remains important through the fall.
WNV was first detected in mosquitoes this year in April—earlier than usual—and has been found in 776 mosquito pools across all counties, with the highest activity in the northeast, particularly Bergen, Middlesex, Union, Essex and Hudson. State and county mosquito control programs are working to minimize transmission risk.
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a rare but severe mosquito-borne disease, has also been detected in mosquitoes in Atlantic County. No WNV or EEE cases have been reported in birds or horses so far in 2025, but horse owners are urged to keep vaccinations current and to consult their veterinarians if shots are overdue.
What to watch for
Many WNV infections cause no symptoms. About one in five people develop a mild to moderate illness, typically with fever, chills, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Fewer than 1% develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system; people over 50, those with certain chronic conditions and those with weakened immune systems face higher risk. Symptoms of severe disease can include severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, confusion, tremors, seizures, muscle weakness and paralysis. Early symptoms can resemble other viral illnesses; there is no specific treatment, so contact a healthcare provider if you suspect WNV.
How to protect yourself
- Use EPA-registered insect repellent.
- Wear long sleeves and pants, cover strollers and cribs with netting.
- Keep mosquitoes outdoors, make sure you have well-maintained window and door screens.
- Tip and toss standing water weekly (planters and saucers, birdbaths, pool covers, toys, buckets, clogged gutters, wheelbarrows, tarps and anything that can hold water—even small items
Environmental officials emphasize that even small containers can become breeding sites within days; eliminating standing water breaks the mosquito life cycle and reduces neighborhood risk.
“We are urging the public to not let their guard down and continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites by turning over or removing items that collect water to eliminate all standing water on their property. Standing water that pools in yard items such as empty planters serve as mosquito breeding grounds that cause the number of mosquitoes to grow rapidly and increase your risk of serious mosquito-borne diseases,” said New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “While the DEP continues to support the needs of local mosquito control programs, it’s important that each of us do our part to protect public health.”
More resources
The Department of Health publishes an interactive vector-borne disease dashboard and weekly surveillance reports summarizing human cases and mosquito findings statewide. Residents can also check county mosquito control programs for local spraying schedules, service requests and tips.
- NJDOH – West Nile Virus Webpage: gov/health/cd/topics/westnile.shtml
- NJDOH – Interactive Vector-Borne Disease Dashboard: doh.nj.gov/views/public_dashboard/Intro
- NJDOH – Weekly Vector-Borne Surveillance Reports: gov/health/cd/statistics/arboviral-stats
- NJDEP – Mosquito Control Webpage: gov/dep/mosquito
