Camden County has reported its 1st West Nile virus case of 2024. How to protect yourself.

Earlier this week, Camden County announced the year's first case of West Nile virus, an illness spread primarily by mosquitoes.

“West Nile Virus is not typically widespread here in New Jersey; however, it is still important for residents to remain vigilant and watch for symptoms,” said Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, a health department liaison, in a press release.

Here's a look at the symptoms of West Nile virus and how to protect yourself.

What is West Nile virus?

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention characterizes West Nile virus as the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental U.S.

When mosquitos feed on infected birds, they contract the disease and spread it through their bites to humans.

While there are no vaccines for the virus, most people who are infected don't feel sick. Approximately 1 in 5 people develop fevers and other symptoms, and 1 in 150 develop serious, possibly fatal illnesses, according to the CDC.

The center considers humans as "dead-end" hosts, noting that there are not high-enough levels of the virus within the human bloodstream to infect other biting mosquitos. In rare instances the virus can be spread through organ and blood transplants.

Anyone who has been diagnosed with West Nile virus should avoid donating blood and bone marrow for 120 days after infection.

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Symptoms of West Nile virus

West Nile virus can have a variety of symptoms and impacts on those infected, according to the CDC.

While most people infected with the virus will not feel symptoms, about 1 in 5 may develop a fever alongside the following:

• Headache.
• Body aches.
• Joint pain.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Rash.

Some people may develop more serious symptoms from infection, such as encephalitis (brain inflammation) or meningitis. Severe symptoms include the following:

• High fever.
• Headache.
• Stupor.
• Stiff neck.
• Disorientation.
• Coma.
• Tremors.
• Convulsions.
• Muscle weakness.
• Vision loss.
• Numbness.
• Paralysis.

People older than 60 are at a higher risk for severe illness, as well as those with preexisting conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and recent organ transplant recipients.

The virus can be diagnosed by health care providers through symptoms, exposure history and lab testing.

Is West Nile virus in New Jersey?

According to testing results provided by the New Jersey Department of Health, mosquitos carrying the West Nile virus are present in almost every county of the state as of Aug. 21.

Each county has its own mosquito control agency that monitors mosquito populations and traps and submits pools of mosquitos for disease testing.

This season, 616 positive pools of mosquitos have been detected in the state, with South Jersey's counties, including Ocean County, contributing 84.

Cumberland county was the only area to not submit a positive pool as of Aug. 21.

How to prevent mosquito bites

Because of the way the virus spreads, mosquito bite prevention is one of the best ways to cut back on infection risk.

The CDC recommends utilizing insect repellant, wearing long sleeves and pants, and treating your property for mosquito control.

Because mosquitoes lay eggs in water, the CDC advises to check for water-holding containers in- and outdoors. Empty, scrub, turn over or throw out things such as tires, buckets and birdbaths that may be holding water suitable for mosquito eggs at least once a week.

Each county in New Jersey has resources for mosquito control and prevention through its designated mosquito control agency. For more information on contacting your county, visit the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection website.

Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at kmccormick@gannett.com. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Camden County has reported its 1st West Nile virus case of 2024. How to protect yourself.