Health
West Nile virus detected in 2 New York City residents as infected mosquito population soars
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The New York Metropolis Well being Division introduced Tuesday that the West Nile virus was present in two individuals because the contaminated mosquito inhabitants reaches a brand new document.
Two human instances have been reported as town’s 5 boroughs take care of 1,068 mosquito swimming pools which have examined optimistic for the virus, in keeping with town’s well being division. In comparison with final 12 months, NYC had a West Nile virus pool of 779.
Sometimes, the virus is unfold to people when an contaminated mosquito bites a person, in keeping with the US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. These mosquitoes are usually current within the metropolis from July by way of October, with peak exercise in August and September.
One case was reported in Brooklyn, whereas the opposite particular person was current in Queens. To date this 12 months, america has had 54 whole instances leading to 4 deaths.
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New York Metropolis is coping with a document variety of mosquitoes contaminated with the West Nile virus, in keeping with town’s well being division.
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“We’re within the peak of West Nile virus season, however there are issues you are able to do to lower your danger of being bitten,” mentioned Dr. Ashwin Vasan, town’s well being commissioner. “Use an EPA registered insect repellent, put on lengthy sleeves and pants, particularly when exterior at nightfall and daybreak when the sorts of mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most lively. As well as, you’ll be able to cease mosquitoes from laying eggs within the water by emptying outside containers that maintain water or calling 311 if you happen to see standing water that you just can’t empty. Assist maintain you and your family members protected with these actions throughout WNV season.”
A vaccine doesn’t presently exist for the virus, so preemptive measures corresponding to insect repellent, carrying lengthy garments, and avoiding standing swimming pools of water could assist cut back publicity. Signs of West Nile virus could embody physique aches, rash, fatigue, and fever.
Roughly 80% of people don’t show signs of the illness, and just one% develop a critical sickness, in keeping with the CDC.
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Though NYC has greater than 40 mosquito species, the West Nile virus is usually transmitted by the totally different Culex species, such because the Culex salinarius and Culex pipiens, in keeping with town well being division.