New Jersey health officials are reporting the first death of a person from the mosquito-borne West Nile virus.
They say a 77-year-old Burlington County man who tested positive for the virus died earlier this week. He developed fever, weakness and respiratory distress Aug. 20 and was hospitalized Aug. 26.
To date the state has confirmed 15 cases of West Nile virus around New Jersey.
More than 85 West Nile-related deaths have been reported nationwide this year.
New Jersey health officials declined to provide the name of the victim or his hometown in order to protect the family's privacy.
Last year there were seven confirmed cases of West Nile virus in New Jersey, but no fatalities. In 2010 there were 30 cases, including two deaths.
The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of serious health complications.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:33 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:33:20 GMT
A New Jersey priest who resigned after admitting he worked unsupervised with kids despite a legal agreement that barred him from doing so is headed to court.
A New Jersey priest who resigned after admitting he worked unsupervised with kids despite a legal agreement that barred him from doing so is headed to court.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:42:18 GMT
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:05:15 GMT
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
