West Nile virus hits a Staten Island man
The first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the city has been confirmed in a 67 year-old- Staten Island man, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene announced on August 4.
So far, West Nile Virus has been detected in all five boroughs. 76 mosquito pools in the city have tested positive for WNV, mostly in Staten Island, compared to 122 positive pools, according to The DOHMH.
The man developed typical symptoms of West Nile virus infection including fever, headache, muscle pain and weakness. He was hospitalized on July 24 and diagnosed with viral meningitis. He has been discharged and is recovering at home.
?There has been significantly more West Nile virus activity in Staten Island this year, so I especially urge Staten Islanders to use mosquito repellent, get rid of standing water on their property, and make sure window and door screens are intact and free of tears or holes. These simple steps can help stop the spread of West Nile virus," DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Thomas Frieden said.
"With the identification of this year?s first case of West Nile virus, I urge all New Yorkers ? especially those over the age of 50 ? to take steps to prevent mosquito bites.?
Last year, West Nile virus infected reportedly 11 people in the New York City, resulting in 3 deaths, according to the city's health agency.
The DOHMH said August 4 it scheduled to spray pesticide from trucks in parts of Staten Island from 8:00 P.M. on Monday August 7 to 6:00 a.m. next morning.
The first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the city has been confirmed in a 67 year-old- Staten Island man, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene announced on August 4.
So far, West Nile Virus has been detected in all five boroughs. 76 mosquito pools in the city have tested positive for WNV, mostly in Staten Island, compared to 122 positive pools, according to The DOHMH.
The man developed typical symptoms of West Nile virus infection including fever, headache, muscle pain and weakness. He was hospitalized on July 24 and diagnosed with viral meningitis. He has been discharged and is recovering at home.
?There has been significantly more West Nile virus activity in Staten Island this year, so I especially urge Staten Islanders to use mosquito repellent, get rid of standing water on their property, and make sure window and door screens are intact and free of tears or holes. These simple steps can help stop the spread of West Nile virus," DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Thomas Frieden said.
"With the identification of this year?s first case of West Nile virus, I urge all New Yorkers ? especially those over the age of 50 ? to take steps to prevent mosquito bites.?
Last year, West Nile virus infected reportedly 11 people in the New York City, resulting in 3 deaths, according to the city's health agency.
The DOHMH said August 4 it scheduled to spray pesticide from trucks in parts of Staten Island from 8:00 P.M. on Monday August 7 to 6:00 a.m. next morning.