Four people infected with West Nile virus in New York City

NEW YORK, N.Y. (PIX11) — Four people have been diagnosed with the West Nile virus in New York City, according to the city’s Department of Health.

The four people with West Nile virus live in Queens and Manhattan, one of which developed West Nile fever while the other three were hospitalized with neuroinvasive disease. Health experts are also investigating two possible cases of West Nile virus in the Bronx.

The diagnosis comes after mosquitoes with the virus were detected in all five boroughs in July and Suffolk County officials reported its first human case of the virus on Aug. 8.

West Nile virus is typically spread through bites from infected mosquitoes, health officials warn. As of Friday the city’s health department found almost 1,300 positive mosquito pools across the five boroughs, up significantly from this time last year when 569 positive pools were detected.

Health experts say most people infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms though some may develop fever, headache, muscle aches, rash and extreme fatigue. While most patients fully recover without issue, some continue to have problems months after, especially those over the age of 60 or with a weakened immune system.

More serious infections of West Nile virus can cause neuroinvasive disease which can lead to potentially fatal illness of the brain and spinal cord, changes in mental status and muscle weakness.

To reduce exposure to mosquitos health experts recommend the following:

Reducing Exposure to Mosquitoes

• Use EPA approved bug repellent with picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
• Make sure windows have screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
• Eliminate standing water from your property and dispose of containers that can collect water.
• Make sure roof gutters are clean and drained properly.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered if not in use. Drain water that collects in pool covers.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here .

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