State Probes Possible West Nile Virus Death In Bergen County

State authorities are investigating the death of a Bergen County man to determine if it was related to the West Nile virus.

Donna Leusner, a state Department of Health spokesperson, said they are awaiting the result of lab tests.

Terry Maikisch posted on Facebook Sept. 7 that her brother, Fred, was diagnosed with the virus. She said Fred was on a respirator because "several of his vital organs" were affected by the virus.

She said in another post Friday that West Nile virus

She I am sorry to share the news that my brother Fred had his MRI last night and the Nile virus has caused such severe damage that there is no hope for recovery. We have decided to remove him from the vent and let him go gently.

According to his obituary, Fred Maikisch died Saturday.

There are 19 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in New Jersey, including four in Bergen County.

In a statement released Monday, Lodi municipal officials said they are "always concerned about the health, safety and welfare of all of our residents."

Local officials were in contact with the Bergen County Department of Health and mosquito control commission and were awaiting verification of "this very unfortunate incident."

Fred Maikisch was a member of the Lodi Old Timers Association. He coached Lodi Little League for more than 20 years. He was a salesman at IKEA in Paramus for five years.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; children, Melanie and Justin; sister Theresa, and her husband, Joe; and many cousins and friends.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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