West Nile Virus

After the earliest confirmed human case ever at the beginning of July, state officials are monitoring mosquito activity very closely.

Eight samples across five counties have tested positive for the virus, though no human cases have been reported this year.

Have you seen a low flying helicopter around Ocean County recently? No, it's not a manhunt or black-ops, here's what's going on:

A 15-year-old mare that contracted Encephalitis was euthenized, and a 10-year-old stallion infected with West Nile Virus is being treated.

In both instances, the horses that contracted the disease had not been inoculated against it this year.

No, that is not an optical illusion. Yes, that helicopter really is flying that low.
Have you seen or heard this in your neighborhood and wondered what was going on?
Well, here's what's going on:

The West Nile virus season is peaking in New Jersey.

Monmouth County health officials say they will spray for mosquitoes in two residential areas of the county this week, where evidence of West Nile Virus has been discovered.

As the summer temperatures continue trending warmer and more humid, mosquitoes which are known to carry the West Nile Virus are sampling in a flurry of small activity in parts of Monmouth County so officials are taking action.

West Nile has been in the Garden State for more than a decade. Now health officials fear Zika virus could emerge and spread here as well.