One more thing New Yorkers need to worry about … The New York Department of Health issues a warning after mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus are detected in the city
- New York City has detected its first cases of West Nile Virus this year after infected Culex mosquitoes were discovered on Staten Island and in the Bronx.
- The Health Department said it has already carried out larvicides from a helicopter over swamp areas in Staten Island, Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn.
- The plan is to apply larvidcida in catch basins, marshes, and other areas with standing water so they can kill the larvae before mosquitoes can bite
- West Nile virus is a neuroinvasive disease that can cause mild to moderate febrile illness, but 80 percent of cases are asymptomatic.
- People 50 and older tend to be at higher risk, as well as those with a weakened immune system.
- Eliminate standing water and use mosquito repellent to avoid infections.
The New York City Department of Health issued a warning after discovering Culex mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus on Staten Island and in the Bronx.
The department announced the infestation on Tuesday, reporting that there has been no human case yet.
However, they cautioned city dwellers to take precautions in the midst of the mosquito season, which generally runs from April to September.
The return of the virus, first detected in New York 21 years ago, comes just after the city had its first 24 hours on Saturday, where there were no deaths from the coronavirus.
New York City detected its first cases of West Nile Virus this year, the Health Department said Tuesday. Culex mosquito shown
Culex mosquitoes were discovered on Staten Island (pictured) and in the Bronx, and authorities have begun spraying larvae over swamps and other areas with standing water.
Meanwhile, cases across the country are increasing predominantly in states that reopened too soon.
West Nile virus is a neuroinvasive disease that can cause mild or moderate febrile illness, but 80 percent of cases are asymptomatic, and people age 50 and older tend to be at higher risk, as well as those with a system weakened immune.
People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are also in the high-risk category.
In the worst case, it can infect the brain and spinal cord and be fatal. Of the 353 people who contracted the virus, 46 (13%) died.
Clean standing water, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use an insect repellent to avoid being bitten this summer
On average, three to 47 people contract the virus each year in New York, and authorities have detected between 40 and 1,010 mosquitoes each year since 1999.
Although there are around 40 types of mosquitoes in New York, the West Nile virus tends to be transmitted in Culex salinarius and Culex pipiens species.
Authorities have been installing mosquito monitoring traps in the city and there are currently 53 installed.
The Health Department said it has already carried out larvicides from a helicopter over swampy areas on Staten Island, Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn.
The plan is to apply larvidcide in catch basins, marshes, and other areas with standing water so they can kill the larvae before mosquitoes can bite.
There is no treatment for West Nile Virus, but generic medications, such as acetaminophen, can help alleviate symptoms.
The Health Department advises contacting a doctor if symptoms develop.
“New Yorkers can take some simple steps to protect themselves this summer, including by wearing bug spray or covering their arms and legs,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot.
“We also encourage everyone to remove standing water that may harbor mosquitoes or call 311 for standing water that they cannot handle themselves.”
Authorities remind New Yorkers to keep the screens on the windows or repair them if they are broken.
Eliminate standing water from your property, dispose of containers that contain standing water, and keep areas such as pools covered or empty when not in use.
Approved insect repellents that contain picaridin, DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil (not for children under three) or the active ingredient IR3535.
New York recently reported deaths from coronavirus for the first time since the pandemic.
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