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Updated · Patch · Jul 14US West Nile Cases Reach 22-Year High as New Jersey Logs 54 Positive Mosquito Pools
3 articles · Updated · Patch · Jul 14Summary
- At least 48 U.S. West Nile cases had been reported by June 30, far above the average 10 cases typically logged by that point since 2004.
- CDC tied the surge to early virus circulation, with 23 states reporting West Nile activity — the highest midyear spread in a decade.
- New Jersey has reported no human cases yet, but 54 mosquito pools have tested positive statewide, up from 25 at the same time last year.
- The virus remains the leading mosquito-borne disease in the contiguous U.S., causing several thousand cases and about 100 deaths on average each year.
Insights
This year's record West Nile surge is here. Is this a rare event, or the new climate-driven reality? As West Nile Virus hits a 22-year high, can redesigning cities with more nature be our best defense?