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He is recovering at his Hamilton home

A 50 year-old man from Hamilton (Mercer County) has become the first New Jerseyan to contract West Nile Virus this summer, the state Department of Health and Human Services announced on Monday.

The unidentified man, who is recovering at his home, developed symptoms in July including fever, fatigue, headache, joint pain and numbness in his hands.

“West Nile Virus is seen most often during New Jersey’s mosquito season in late summer and early fall,” Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Tina Tan said. “The department urges everyone to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites by applying insect repellant wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible.”

Last year, 30 cases of the virus, including two deaths, were reported to the Health Department.

West Nile virus is a viral infection that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes get infected with the virus by feeding on infected birds. The infected mosquitoes then spread the virus by biting humans and other animals, such as horses.

Many people infected with the virus do not become ill and may not develop symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may be mild or severe and show up three to 15 days after being bitten.

Mild symptoms include flu-like illness with fever, headache, body aches, nausea and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back.

Severe symptoms include high fever, neck stiffness and swelling of the brain (encephalitis), which can lead to coma, convulsions and death.

The virus has been identified among birds and mosquitoes in 18 of the state’s 21 counties. No activity has been identified in Atlantic, Cumberland or Salem counties.

Tan said residents should survey their property and remove any items that can collect water. She said clogged gutters, flowerpots and old tires can be prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes most likely to transmit the virus.

The commissioner also advised residents to apply insect repellant to their clothing and exposed skin in accordance with labeling directions, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants (weather permitting) outdoors, and limit outdoor activities at dawn, dusk and during evening hours.

For more information on prevention measures, visit the WNV web page. The toll-free number to locate county mosquito control agencies is (1-888-NO NJ WNV).

– TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM