One person from the Bronx, aged 61, another also from the Bronx, aged 68, and a resident from Queens, aged 44, have all tested positive for West Nile Virus, say officials from the New York City Dept of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).
DOHMH officials say the Bronx area will be sprayed on Thursday if the weather is fair.
Both Bronx patients are recovering at home. The Queen’s patient went on to develop encephalitis (meningitis) and is in hospital – health professionals say the person is in a stable condition.
It is thought the three residents became infected within New York City.
DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Thomas Frieden, said, ?We have seen increased mosquito activity in parts of the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island. And now, with three confirmed West Nile human cases, the Health Department is urging all New Yorkers, especially those over the age of 50, to continue to take personal measures to avoid infection. Residents are also reminded to get rid of standing water on their property, and to 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.?
What is West Nile Virus? West Nile Virus is spread by mosquitoes. There are two types of illness:
1. A mild form, known as West Nile Fever.
2. A serious form, known as West Nile Encephalitis (meningitis). The brain (and/or also the spinal cord) becomes swollen.
West Nile Virus hit the Western Hemisphere for the first time in 1999. Before that it was only common in the Middle East and other parts of the Eastern Hemisphere.
Scientists say West Nile Virus is established as a seasonal epidemic in N. America. It hits hardest in the summer and dies down during the fall (autumn).
About 80% of people infected with West Nile Virus never show any symptoms, one in 150 will develop a serious illness, leaving about 20% who will develop mild symptoms.
Written by Christian Nordqvist
Editor – Medical News Today