TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey's Health Department is
reporting five people have died from West Nile virus in the state.
Two deaths occurred in Passaic County and there was one each in Burlington,
Gloucester and Ocean counties.
State health officials say 45 cases of the mosquito-borne illness have been
reported in people in 16 counties around the state.
Mosquitoes get the virus from feeding on infected birds and then spread it to
people they bite. The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at
risk of serious health complications.
Cases typically peak in late summer or early fall.
