Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have started to appear in New Jersey—this year, they’re arriving about two weeks earlier than last year, based on state reports.
As of June 7, 10 mosquito pools across six counties in New Jersey have tested positive for the virus, according to the latest vector-borne surveillance report from the health department. These pools are essentially groups of mosquitoes that are tested for diseases.
The first positive pool was found in Gloucester County during the week ending April 19. Interestingly, the first detection of West Nile last year was noted by May 3.
Autumn Angelus, a principal biologist with the Office of Mosquito Control Coordination, remarked that this early activity aligns with a trend of increasingly active mosquito seasons. “It seems to be a trend. We’re seeing positive mosquitoes earlier each year,” she noted.
This trend is likely tied to climate change, which leads to warmer temperatures appearing sooner and thus extends the mosquito season, Angelus suggested.
Mosquitoes have the unfortunate title of being the world’s deadliest animal, as they transmit numerous diseases including malaria, dengue, and West Nile. Not all mosquitoes carry this virus; however, it remains the leading mosquito-borne illness in the U.S. While cases of West Nile do occur in New Jersey, there has been a noticeable increase in recent years.
In 2022, New Jersey reported 41 human cases of West Nile with eight fatalities, which is significantly higher than average. Additionally, the state had one human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis last year, a rare and serious illness that hadn’t been documented in the state since 2019.
Like West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis is transmitted through mosquito bites and tends to be more severe. Currently, no human or animal cases of this disease or the Jamestown Canyon virus have been reported in 2025.
As of now, 16 human cases of West Nile have been identified across 11 states, as per CDC trackers. Arboviral infections transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes are becoming a growing concern in the U.S., with over 2,700 cases reported in 2023—more than double the numbers from 2022.
West Nile virus is often asymptomatic and typically leads to mild illness in those who develop symptoms, such as fevers. Older individuals and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for severe reactions, which can include headaches, fever, weakness, paralysis, disorientation, and even death.
There’s currently no specific treatment for West Nile. Therefore, the best defense is to prevent mosquito bites. Here are a few strategies to help avoid those pesky insects this summer.
Call for reinforcements
If you’re tired of dealing with mosquito bites, you can reach out to local mosquito control programs, which offer assistance at no charge.
All 21 counties in New Jersey provide mosquito control services. Angelus encourages residents to contact these programs whenever there’s an issue. “It’s always worth it to reach out,” she advised. If your backyard is typically plagued by mosquitoes, help is available.
Professionals will gather information, investigate any potential breeding grounds on your property, and can apply registered pesticides if deemed necessary.
“If they’re bothering you and they’re just being a nuisance, you can still reach out and ask for help,” Angelus added.
The state also runs various supplemental programs including aerial spraying for large areas, equipment rentals, and biological programs using mosquito-eating fish to reduce pesticide use.
Tip and toss
Everyone can contribute to mosquito prevention.
The American Mosquito Control Association advises homeowners to eliminate any standing water, which is a breeding ground for these insects. This includes checking things like pool covers, flower pots, and pet bowls.
“The best thing you can do is ‘tip and toss’ the water off and you’ve effectively eliminated mosquitoes from that place,” Angelus explained.
Find the right repellant
Not all insect repellants are equally effective; only certain types can reliably ward off mosquitoes, according to the EPA.
The EPA provides a search tool to help people choose the most suitable repellent, allowing users to specify:
- whether they need protection from mosquitoes, ticks, or both
- how long they will be exposed
- active ingredients
- additional product-specific information
All recommended repellents have been reviewed by the EPA and back their claims with data.
