New York City officials announced Monday that West Nile virus has been detected among New Yorkers for the first time this year.
Four people in Manhattan and Queens have been reported infected since late July, officials said. Three more blood donors have also been infected — one in Brooklyn, one in Queens and one in Manhattan — and two suspected cases are under investigation in the Bronx, the health department said.
Meanwhile, concentrations of West Nile virus in mosquitoes across the city are higher than they were at this time last year, according to data from the Health Department, which regularly traps and tests mosquitoes across New York City and keeps them in pools of samples.
According to officials, as of Friday, Aug. 16, there have been 1,286 pooled positive cases across the five boroughs this year, significantly more than the 569 cases at the same time last year. The health department said this year’s cases were detected as early as June 5, earlier than normal.
Health department officials said the city is taking steps to combat areas of high mosquito activity, but Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said New Yorkers also need to do their part.
“We all have a role to play in protecting ourselves and each other,” he said.
The virus has also been detected in neighboring municipalities. Westchester County officials said New Rochelle and Mount Vernon residents tested positive for West Nile virus earlier this month, marking the county’s first confirmed cases this year. On Long Island, Suffolk County officials said a man in Islip tested positive for the virus in July.
Using an EPA-registered insect repellent is a crucial tool when you’re outdoors, especially at dusk or dawn, when the species of mosquito that carry West Nile Virus are most active. You can also prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs and breeding in water by emptying water containers outdoors and calling 311 if you find a standing water body that can’t be emptied.
West Nile virus is difficult to detect because most infected people do not show symptoms, but some may experience symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, rash, and extreme fatigue. Most people recover fully, but in rare cases, it can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Older adults and those with immunosuppressed conditions are at higher risk of severe illness from the virus.
The City recommends the following guidelines to reduce exposure to the more than 40 species of mosquitoes that live here, including several Culex species such as Culex pipiens and Culex salinarius, which transmit the West Nile virus.
Use approved insect repellents containing picaridin, DEET, or lemon eucalyptus oil (not for use on children under 3 years of age), or products containing the active ingredient IR3535. Visit the EPA site to search by product and duration of effectiveness. People with severely weakened immune systems should avoid going outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are active and biting. Make sure your windows have screens. Repair or replace any screens that have tears or holes. Eliminate standing water on your property and dispose of any containers that may collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Sanitation Code. Make sure roof gutters are clean and properly draining. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered when not in use. Drain any water that accumulates in pool covers.
