STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Six human cases of a serious disease triggered by West Nile Virus have been detected in New York City, the city Health Department said, just days after the five boroughs registered their first confirmed cases of 2023.
Three cases of West Nile neuroinvasive disease — confirmed instances of encephalitis, meningitis or acute flaccid paralysis — have been reported in Queens, one case has been confirmed in Manhattan and two cases have been recorded on Staten Island, according to city Health Department data.
West Nile virus can trigger fever, body aches, joint pain and other symptoms in about 20% of cases. While most people recover completely, fatigue and weakness can last weeks or months, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No cases of West Nile fever have been reported in New York City.
About one in 150 infected individuals develop West Nile neuroinvasive disease, which affects the central nervous system. Officials said around one in ten of those cases are fatal. The city Health Department said the first three confirmed cases all lead to hospitalization, but it is not clear if the latest individuals were also hospitalized.
West Nile virus-positive mosquitos have been tracked in every zip code on Staten Island and across wide swaths of New York City, according to city Health Department data. A total of 738 mosquito pools have tested positive for the virus, up from 569 confirmed pools reported last week.
The city Health Department has conducted multiple aerial larvicide and truck-based adulticide treatments on Staten Island since the start of mosquito season.
Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov/health/wnv. For more information about West Nile virus, call 311 or visit nyc.gov.
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