West Nile Virus Kills Morris County Man

A 92-year-old Morris County man tested positive for West Nile Virus and died on Saturday, the New Jersey Department of Health announced.

The man "developed fever and muscle weakness in mid-August, was admitted to the hospital with encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and died on Aug. 31," according tot he department. He and a 78-year-old Gloucester County woman,, who also died in late August, are the most recently reported cases of West Nile Virus in the state.

The department did not announce what towns the man and woman were from.

According to the department, six human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported this year and West Nile Virus in mosquitoes was reported in all counties in the state except for Cumberland and Salem. Last year's reported cases of West Nile Virus showed the most active season in state history as 48 cases were reported and six deaths. 

No deaths were reported from West Nile Virus in 2011 and two deaths were reported from the virus in 2010, when 30 cases were identified.

The West Nile Virus season is not over yet, warned the department.

"September is the peak of West Nile Virus season so I encourage everyone to take steps to prevent mosquito bites by wearing insect repellant with DEET and to limit time outdoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active," said Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd.

A few ways to prevent contracting the virus, as provided by the Department of Health, include maintaining screen doors and windows, using insect netting on strollers and wearing long sleeves and pants.