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West Nile hits 12 New Jersey counties, and officials warn mosquitoes are 'the deadliest animal'
Yahoo • • health
Key Points:
- West Nile virus has been detected in mosquito samples from 12 counties in New Jersey, prompting state officials to urge residents to take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases.
- New Jersey typically sees about 22 human West Nile cases annually, but officials are also monitoring for other threats like Eastern equine encephalitis and Jamestown Canyon virus as mosquito populations grow.
- Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard E. Washington emphasized prevention through avoiding mosquito bites and reducing breeding grounds to protect public health.
- Mosquitoes can transmit serious illnesses causing symptoms from fever and headaches to severe neurological complications, with older adults and those with health conditions at higher risk.
- Residents are advised to eliminate standing water, use EPA-registered insect repellents, wear protective clothing, and maintain screened or air-conditioned environments to reduce mosquito exposure.
