Burlington County senior citizen first West Nile death in N.J.

The first New Jerseyan, a Burlington County senior citizen, has died from the mosquito-born West Nile Virus this summer, the state Department of Health announced today.

There are 15 human cases of the virus so far this season in the state, Health Commissioner Mary O’Dowd said.

“This is peak West Nile Virus season and like the rest of the nation, high mosquito activity is contributing to spread of the virus,” O’Dowd said. “Residents should protect themselves by using repellent, wearing long sleeves, long-pants and removing standing water on their property that breeds mosquitoes.”

According to the state, the 15 confirmed cases are from from 12 counties: Bergen (1), Burlington (1), Camden (1), Essex (2), Gloucester (1), Hudson (1), Mercer (1), Middlesex (1), Monmouth (1), Ocean (3), Passaic (1) and Salem (1).

The Burlington County man died earlier this week, according to a statement from O’Dowd, he developed symptoms — fever, weakness and respiratory distress — on Aug. 20, and was hospitalized on Aug. 26. The department did not disclose his age or precise date of death.

“Unfortunately the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of developing serious health complications as a result of being bitten by a mosquito infected by WNV,” said Tina Tan, a doctor and the state Epidemiologist. “We are urging all residents, and especially those most at risk to protect themselves against mosquito bites.”

Tips for limiting mosquito exposure include, according to the state:

• Maintaining screen doors and windows
• Using insect netting on infant carriers and strollers
• Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk
• Cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers
• Using landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes will develop in any puddle that lasts more than four days
• Maintaining mechanical barriers, such as window and door screens, to prevent mosquitoes from entering buildings. Barriers over rain barrels or cistern and septic pipes will deny female mosquitoes the opportunity to lay eggs on water
• Ensuring that gutters are not clogged and are running freely.