West Nile Virus Confirmed In New Jersey

New Jersey has seen an increase in diseases this past year.

This year, we've seen an increase in cases of Measles in the state, with cases breaking out in North Jersey, and a case being confirmed in Ocean County as well.

West Nile Virus Confirmed Early In The Season In NJ

However, a new disease is now making headlines, and although it's a disease that we typically do see rear its ugly head each year in Jersey, it seems as though we're seeing it ahead of schedule.

New Jersey now has two confirmed cases of West Nile Virus, the disease that's primarily caused by mosquito bites.

Symptoms Of West Nile Virus, According To The CDC

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Symptoms of West Nile virus are generally pretty mild, and more like a case of the flu than anything else; however, if you're older, it could be much more severe, according to the CDC.

Something to keep in mind, though, is that West Nile doesn't spread from person to person like most diseases; you can only get it through a bite from an infected insect.

West Nile Virus Cases In Atlantic And Middlesex Counties

NJ.com reports that one of the two cases of West Nile Virus in New Jersey was found in a child in Atlantic County, whereas the other case was found in an adult in Middlesex County.

I didn't realize that West Nile Virus usually shows up each year in Jersey, for example, last year there were 41 confirmed cases of the disease.

Mosquito Season Comes Early To NJ This Year

West Nile Virus usually springs up during mosquito season, and this year the mosquitoes showed up earlier than usual, in April, and typically the season lasts through mid-November.

So there's a good chance this is the beginning of more West Nile Virus Cases being confirmed in the Garden State.