Camden County officials have identified a “probable” case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the state, marking the first reported case this year. The infected individual is a resident of Winslow Township, and the positive lab test results were reported to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services on July 17, prompting an immediate investigation.
West Nile Virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the United States, typically prevalent during the summer and early fall. Alarmingly, four out of five people infected with WNV experience no symptoms, while only 1 in 50 may develop a severe illness, according to Camden County officials. Unfortunately, four of the state’s 20 reported cases in 2022 resulted in fatalities.
Symptoms of WNV include fever, headache, altered mental status, and other neurological dysfunctions. Individuals over 50 years old and those with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing severe illness. Currently, there is no known treatment for WNV, making prevention through mosquito bite avoidance crucial.
Health officials recommend using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET, 2-undecanone, Para-menthane-diol (PMD), Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), IR3535, or Picaridin. These repellents help safeguard against mosquito bites, reducing the risk of infection.
The New Jersey Department of Health conducts viral testing on mosquito pools collected by mosquito-control agencies across the state. As of July 15, 31 mosquito pools tested positive for WNV out of a total of 3,461 tested in New Jersey.
While the New Jersey Department of Health does not provide the exact number of positive pools by county, the latest surveillance report indicates that Camden County is among nine counties with mosquito pools that tested positive for WNV. In the previous year, the county had between 20 and 29 pools that tested positive for the virus.
During the summer and fall, the Camden County Mosquito Commission implements spraying activities as needed, based on the outcomes of their surveillance efforts and feedback from the public. In their news release, the county emphasizes that the simple act of removing standing water from properties can significantly reduce the pest population in neighborhoods and support the commission’s efforts.
For additional information or to report a mosquito-related problem, residents can contact the Camden County Mosquito Commission at 856-566-2945 or via email at skeeters@camdencounty.com. It is crucial for the community to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect against West Nile Virus and mosquito-borne illnesses during this period.
