1 Dead, 5 Hospitalized From West Nile In NYC This Year

NEW YORK CITY — A West Nile virus infection claimed the life of a New Yorker for the first time since 2018, officials said.

Six city dwellers in total suffered infections from West Nile, which is usually carried seasonally by certain mosquitos between late July and October, city officials said.

Queens had two cases, as did Manhattan, while Staten Island and Brooklyn had one each, according to a release. One person from the Manhattan cases is believed to have been infected while traveling away from the city, officials said.

Health officials refused to disclose additional information on cases or deaths beyond what is in the release. The person who died was only identified as being over 65 — a risk factor for the disease.

“We mourn the loss of a fellow New Yorker and urge everyone to take simple precautions to keep themselves and their families safe from mosquito bites,” said Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi in a statement. “When outside, wear mosquito repellent, cover your arms and legs, and discard standing water and install window screens to reduce your risk.”

New York City hasn't seen a death from West Nile since 2018, officials said.

Health department researchers found 413 mosquitos carrying the virus so far this year. That's 15 percent more than the level found at this point in 2019, a release states.

To stop the virus' spread from mosquitos, health department workers conducted 11 adulticiding spray operations and two treatments to kill mosquito larvae, officials said.

Click here for more information on West Nile in New York City.

Patch reporter Maya Kaufman contributed to this report.