NJ man dies following West Nile diagnosis, officials say
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A New Jersey man who died last month had tested positive for West Nile virus, health officials confirmed.
"West Nile virus typically affects a small number of New Jersey residents each year, however, the prevalence of the virus has been increasing recently," County Health Officer Dr. Paschal Nwako said in a news release. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family. The Camden County Department of Health is continuing to work with the Mosquito Commission to ensure that additional spraying and testing will be conducted in the area." West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. It’s not clear what the man had been complaining of prior to hospitalization, but most people – about eight in 10 -- infected by the virus do not develop symptoms. About one in five may develop fever with other symptoms, such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, according to the CDC. For those diagnosed with febrile illness, most recover completely, but fatigue and weakness may last weeks or months.More Related News
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