First case of West Nile Virus confirmed in Camden County

A 60 year-old Bellmawr man has been confirmed as Camden County’s first case of West Nile Virus this year. On July 12, he was admitted to Kennedy Health Systems in Stratford with symptoms that had begun at the end of June. On July 17, he was released from the hospital.

“The Camden County Health Department encourages you to use insect repellents and take extra precautions if you are outside during peak biting hours. You may also want to wear long sleeves and long pants if you are in your yard between dusk and dawn,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. “While the chance of becoming ill is relatively small, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family.”

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.

For more information, or to report a problem, contact the Camden County Mosquito Commission at (856) 566–2945 or skeeters@camdencounty.com.