Active Public Health Outbreaks in New Jersey
Surveillance Report: Late 2024 Status
As of late 2024, New Jersey public health officials are actively monitoring several significant disease trends. The most acute concern is a sharp rise in Pertussis (Whooping Cough) cases, which have more than doubled compared to the previous year. Additionally, the state is managing the tail end of a highly active West Nile Virus season and monitoring a multistate E. coli outbreak linked to organic produce. While respiratory virus activity (COVID-19, Flu) remains currently low, RSV indicators are beginning to rise.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Cases >2x higher than 2023
West Nile Virus
Above average season (ending)
Respiratory (Flu/COVID)
Seasonal baseline (RSV rising)
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Surge
New Jersey is experiencing a significant resurgence of Pertussis. As of November 2, 2024, the state has reported 423 confirmed cases, a stark increase from the 207 cases reported during the same period in 2023.
Health officials attribute this rise to a combination of waning immunity and post-pandemic social mixing. The outbreak is affecting both unvaccinated infants and vaccinated school-aged children, prompting the NJ Department of Health to issue alerts to healthcare providers to maintain a high index of suspicion for patients presenting with prolonged coughs.
NJ Pertussis Cases (Year-to-Date Comparison)
Source: NJ Department of Health Communicable Disease Service
Other Active Alerts & Investigations
E. coli O121:H19 (Organic Carrots)
Status: Active Recall
New Jersey is among the states affected by a multistate outbreak of E. coli linked to organic whole and baby carrots produced by Grimmway Farms. At least two cases have been confirmed in NJ. The CDC and FDA have issued recalls for multiple brands (including those sold at Trader Joe's and Wegmans). Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators for recalled products.
West Nile Virus
Status: High Activity (Season Ending)
The 2024 mosquito season was notably active. New Jersey reported over 15 human cases and at least 2 fatalities. While mosquito activity declines with cooler November temperatures, the high case count this year has put vector control agencies on alert for potential overwintering risks.
Legionnaires' Disease
Status: Regulatory Action & Local Investigations
Following persistent outbreaks in recent years (including clusters in Passaic and Mercer counties), Governor Murphy signed new legislation in September 2024 mandating stricter water management plans for public buildings. Recent investigations in Mercer County (Hamilton Township area) identified Legionella bacteria in residential water samples, prompting specific local advisories.
Ongoing Surveillance Watchlist
| Disease | Current Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Candida auris | High Endemic | NJ remains a major hotspot with record cases (384+) in 2023/24. Healthcare facility transmission is the primary driver. |
| Measles | Sporadic | Single confirmed case in Monmouth County (Oct 2024). No widespread community transmission currently detected. |
| RSV | Rising | Emergency department visits and percent positivity are increasing, signaling the start of the seasonal wave. |