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Officials: 2 More West Nile Virus Cases in Camden County

 CAMDEN, N.J., (CBS) – A 39-year-old man and a 57-year-old woman are Camden County's third and fourth cases of West Nile Virus, health officials confirmed Friday.

Officials say the man was taken to a hospital with fever, cough, chills, paralysis and weakness on August 9th.  He had reported that he had spent considerable time outdoors.  Labs drawn were positive for West Nile Virus and he was confirmed as a case by the New Jersey Department of Health and Social Services on September 12th.

On August 26th, officials say a woman was admitted at a hospital with a five day history of fever, chills, head and body aches.  She was discharged to her home on September 1st.  Labs drawn were positive for West Nile Virus and she was confirmed as a case of West Nile Virus on September 10th.

The State has not released the municipality in which these individuals reside.

A 68-year-old man was reported as the county's first case on August 23rd (see previous story). He was discharged from hospital to a long term care facility on the August 31st. Officials say his condition remains unimproved.

An 84-year-old man, the county's second case of West Nile Virus, went to a local hospital emergency room on August 17th, with a three day history of headaches and fevers.  Officials say he was discharged on August 22nd to a long term care facility.

"At this time, and coming on the heels of the wettest summer months in the history of the county, I want to be clear, residents need to be on the lookout for standing water," said Freeholder Jeffrey Nash, liaison to the Camden County Mosquito Commission in a release.  "This mosquito season will continue well into October and as a community we have to work together in order eliminate ideal breeding locations for these pests."

Health officials advise residents to check their property for any object that holds water for more than a few days.  All pre-adult mosquito stages (eggs, larvae, and pupae) must be in stagnant water in order to develop into adult mosquitoes.

Camden County officials say the Mosquito Commission regularly checks several thousand suspected mosquito breeding sites across the county.  Mosquito spraying is scheduled on an as needed basis based upon the results of their surveillance efforts.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the main route of human infection with West Nile Virus is through the bite of an infected mosquito.  Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.  Individuals over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of West Nile Virus, and should take special care to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

For more information on preventing mosquito breeding, or to report a problem, visit Camden County's website or email the Camden County Mosquito Commission at skeeters@camdencounty.com.

The New Jersey Department of Health can be reached at (609) 984-7160.

 

 

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