Two People Die of Complications Linked with West Nile Virus

Two elderly New Jersey residents have died due to complications associated with West Nile virus infection, the New Jersey Department of Health announced.

The first victim was a 78-year-old woman from Gloucester County. She had developed fever, blurred vision and weakness.  The second victim was a 98-year-old man from Morris County who had developed fever and was hospitalized due to brain swelling.

Six other people have been tested positive for West Nile Virus, the agency said.

West Nile Virus spreads through mosquito bites. Severe symptoms are rare and include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. People usually start showing symptoms of the disease within 3 to 14 days after being bitten. Most of the infected people, about 80 percent of the cases, show no symptoms, according to CDC.

The New Jersey Department of Health urged citizens to take precautions against mosquito bites. Maintaining screen doors and windows, wearing long-sleeves and pants whenever possible and ensuring that infant carriers and strollers are properly netted can help prevent mosquito bites.

"September is the peak of West Nile Virus season so I encourage everyone to take steps to prevent mosquito bites by wearing insect repellant with DEET and to limit time outdoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active," said Mary E. O'Dowd, Health Commissioner, according to a press release.

In 2012, the state saw a total of 48 cases and six deaths. In 2011, there were about seven cases with no deaths.

As of August 27, 2013, 45 states and the District of Columbia have reported West Nile virus infection cases, according to latest CDC data. So far, there have been 421 cases in people, including 13 deaths.