Lodi officials await word on whether resident's death was tied to West Nile

LODI — The borough has issued an alert to residents after the death of a resident, saying it is unable to verify reports that the death resulted from West Nile virus. 

Discussion about the death on social media prompted the town to send out text messages and emails around 3:30 p.m. to alert residents that they were in contact with the county to verify the situation. 

"We have been in touch with the Bergen County Department of Health as well as the Bergen County Mosquito Control Commission since the story appeared on social media and are awaiting the facts for verification concerning this very unfortunate incident," the Nixle alert said. 

“We can’t say definitely, and we don’t want to create a panic,” said Mayor Emil Carafa.

The borough plans to issue another statement once more information is available. 

The state Department of Health on Monday was investigating a possible case of West Nile virus in Bergen County, which was not among the four cases previously reported, said spokeswoman Donna Leusner. She would not confirm where in Bergen County, and would not say whether the case was a fatality. 

Bergen County’s Mosquito Control division performed “mosquito street treatment” on Saturday morning in Lodi. The treatment was performed on Route 46 east, south to Hunter Street and Main Street, and east to Oak Grove Avenue between 4 and 6 a.m. The message shared with residents encouraged those in the area to close their windows and bring pets inside during the treatment.

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The borough also shared on its website Monday information reminding residents that mosquito season is not over.

West Nile virus does not cause symptoms in most people, although one in five infected may develop a fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People over 60 years old are at greater risk for complications.

As of Sept. 8, 19 confirmed or probable cases of West Nile virus were identified in New Jersey, according to the New Jersey Department of Health's Vector-borne Surveillance Report. Four of those cases were reported in Bergen County. There was one case in Passaic and one in Morris. 

To protect yourself from West Nile virus, the CDC suggests using insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants while outdoors. If using sunscreen, apply it before insect repellent.

The group also recommends not using insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months old. Instead, parents should dress babies in clothing that covers arms and legs and cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.