West Nile Virus Cases Hit New High: Where NJ Is At Risk

Health officials are warning everyone to take care to prevent mosquito bites as West Nile virus cases are at a 22-year high, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At least 48 cases of West Nile virus were reported across the U.S. as of June 30; an average of 10 human disease cases has been reported to CDC by the end of June since 2004.

This surge is driven by early circulation of the virus, with 23 states reporting West Nile virus activity – also the highest number recorded over the last 10 years, according to CDC.

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the contiguous United States with several thousand cases and about 100 deaths on average reported each year. Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. However, about one in five infected individuals develop a fever and other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.

No human cases have been reported in New Jersey so far this year. However, the virus has been detected in 54 mosquito pools across the state. At the same time last year, there were 25 positive pools.

In 2025, there were 22 reported cases of West Nile virus. New Jersey typically sees 14 reported West Nile virus cases, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.

"These findings serve as an important reminder that mosquito season is well underway," said CDC Medical Epidemiologist Dr. Erin Staples.

CDC recommends taking the following precautions to reduce the risk of mosquito bites:

• Use an insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Wear long, loose-fitting shirts and pants so it is harder for mosquitoes to bite your skin.
• Avoid being outside between dusk and dawn when the mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are most active.
• Use screens on windows and doors or air conditioning, if available, to keep mosquitoes outside.