West Nile Virus Confirmed In 1 New Yorker This Summer, Officials Say

NEW YORK CITY — New York City has recorded its first human case of West Nile virus this summer as health officials warn that mosquitoes carrying the virus have been detected across all five boroughs.

The person who contracted the virus lives in New York City and had spent time outdoors both in the city and at several locations outside the five boroughs, according to the city Health Department.

Health officials did not identify the person or say where in the city they live.

The case comes amid elevated mosquito activity in the city.

More than 1,000 mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile virus citywide this year, according to the Health Department. The first positive pools were detected June 16.

West Nile virus typically peaks in August and September and spreads to people through a bite from an infected mosquito, but not person-to-person, officials said.

"With mosquito season in full swing, we’re encouraging New Yorkers to take extra precautions to minimize the risk of mosquito bites," NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said in a statement.

The Health Department said it intensified mosquito surveillance and expanded control efforts after West Nile virus was detected in nearly twice as many mosquito pools as last year and appeared in all five boroughs.

Since July, the city has conducted eight targeted mosquito-control operations in neighborhoods where positive mosquito pools were found. The operations typically reduce adult mosquito populations by about 70 percent and positive West Nile mosquito pools by more than 85 percent, according to health officials.

Nationally, 222 human West Nile virus cases have been reported so far this year, primarily in Arizona, Texas and California, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC has reported higher-than-usual activity in some parts of the country, particularly Arizona.

What New Yorkers Should Know

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. Those who do can experience fever, headache, muscle aches, rash and fatigue.

About one in 150 infected people develops a serious illness affecting the brain and spinal cord, known as West Nile neuroinvasive disease. It can cause changes in mental status and muscle weakness and may require hospitalization.

People 60 and older and those with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of serious illness. The city said people 65 and older are three times as likely to develop neurological illness as those under 65.

People with certain chronic conditions, including cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease, can also face increased risk.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of West Nile virus should contact a health care provider, officials said.

How To Avoid Mosquito Bites

To keep New Yorkers safe from the virus, city officials recommend limiting time outside at dawn and dusk, keeping skin covered, and using bug spray.

City officials also recommend repairing window and door screens, as well as emptying any standing water — in birdbaths, flower pots, and gutters — at least once a week.

Chronic standing water on public or private property can be reported to 311.

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