While many suspect that the New Jersey state bird is either the Common House Mosquito (Culex pipiens) or a driver’s middle finger, it’s really the Eastern Goldfinch, but for how long who knows.
All joking aside, mosquitoes are a disease vector that are rightly of concern for a residents. (BTW- despite its reputation for aggressive driving, New Jersey roads are the second safest in the US in terms of fatal crashes per 100,000 people and car thefts per 100,000 vehicles.) This mosquito species is reported to harbor arboviruses, including West Nile Virus. West Nile virus can result in febrile illness or neurologic disease, including meningitis or encephalitis. Mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animals.
The NJ Department of Health confirmed the first cases of West Nile virus in the state for 2024. The DOH says that the cases affected a senior citizen and a minor. Both tested positive for the virus after experiencing symptoms in July 2024. The cases likely occurred in Union and Middlesex counties.
How to stay safe?
- Wear EPA-registered insect repellant.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants and cover exposed skin.
- Repair holes in window and door screens to keep mosquitos out.
- Use air conditioning when possible or ensure window and door screens are well-fitted.
- Don’t let standing water pool on your property
New Jersey had 14 cases of West Nile virus in 2023.