New Jersey health officials are reminding residents that mosquito season is not over just because fall has arrived. On October 2, the New Jersey Department of Health reported continued West Nile virus activity in people and mosquitoes across the state.
What New Jersey reported on October 2
NJDOH reported 26 human West Nile virus cases in New Jersey in 2026, including the state’s first confirmed death. Nineteen of the reported cases involved neurological illness.
Monmouth County had the highest reported case count with six, followed by Mercer County with four and Camden County with three.
The state also reported 1,182 West Nile-positive mosquito pools across all 21 New Jersey counties. A positive mosquito pool is a surveillance finding from a tested group of mosquitoes; it does not mean every mosquito in that area is infected.
Fall does not automatically end mosquito season
Cooler nights can reduce activity, but mosquitoes can remain active during warm stretches well into the fall. For homeowners, the practical takeaway is simple: keep checking the small places that hold water even after summer routines wind down.
- Clear clogged gutters and downspout extensions.
- Empty buckets, toys, saucers, tarps and other small containers.
- Check pool covers and neglected water around pool equipment.
- Refresh birdbaths and pet water regularly.
- Look under shrubs and along foundations for containers you may not notice from the lawn.
Read the full NJDOH update
This summary is based on the New Jersey Department of Health release dated October 2, 2026. For case details, symptoms, prevention guidance and the state’s current surveillance information, use the original state source.