New Jersey health officials are urging residents to continue taking precautions against mosquito bites as West Nile virus cases rise across the state.

The New Jersey Department of Health say 26 people have tested positive for West Nile virus in 2026, including the state’s first confirmed death from the virus.

Monmouth County has reported the most cases with six, followed by Mercer County with four and Camden County with three. State officials say mosquitoes are still active despite the cooler fall weather.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include fever, chills, body aches, and joint pain. In rare cases, the virus can cause serious neurological illness. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness. State officials say West Nile virus has also been detected in 1,182 mosquito pools across all 21 New Jersey counties this year, with detections highest in Mercer, Hudson, Somerset, Bergen and Middlesex counties.