A deadly mosquito-borne virus is spreading in New Jersey, where two new cases of the disease have been confirmed, according to reports.
The New Jersey Department of Health said that the pair of cases of the Eastern equine encephalitis were detected in Union and Atlantic counties over the weekend, Patch reported.
The new cases come after a Somerset County man was hospitalized last month for the dangerous illness, also known as EEE, officials said.
Health officials said 65 mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus in the Garden State.
The recent outbreak has impacted 13 counties in the state — Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Salem, Sussex, Union and Warren — and represents a significant uptick from the 12 cases last year, officials said.
“While we are always concerned about more common mosquito-borne diseases, like West Nile virus, we also need to be vigilant for rare, but severe viruses, like Eastern equine encephalitis,” Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said in a statement. “Individuals who are concerned they may have Eastern equine encephalitis should contact their health care provider right away.”
The EEE virus can cause fevers, headaches, lethargy or brain infections and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There is no treatment for the illness, but doctors can provide supportive therapy to help patients get fluids and nutrition.