West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the US. The West Nile virus has been recently detected in two people and a record number of mosquitoes in New York City, ABC 7 reported.
Health authorities said they found West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes across all five boroughs and recorded the highest number ever. Mosquitoes infected with the virus are said to be typically present at this time of the year, starting from July through October and peaking in August and September.
West Nile Virus in New York City
On Aug. 16, the New York City Health Department announced that the West Nile virus had been detected in two people, one in Brooklyn and another in Queens, and a record number of WNV-infected mosquitoes across all five boroughs in the city. There are a total of 54 cases in the US and four deaths this year.
Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan reminds the public to use an EPA-registered insect repellant and wear long sleeves and pants when outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are active, especially during the months of WNV season. He added that households should empty outdoor containers that hold water to stop mosquitoes from laying eggs and keep loved ones safe.
The health department has recorded 1,068 WNV-positive mosquito pools this year, which is the highest number registered and is significantly higher than last year's 779 positive pools. Authorities have caught an average of 77 mosquitoes in each trap per day, compared to the 75 mosquitoes per trap every day in the same period in 2021.
Although WNV was first detected in New York City about 21 years ago, an average of 16 people are diagnosed with West Nile virus disease each year in the city. The median age of diagnosed patients was 62 years old and the fatality rate was 14%.
Most of the infected New Yorkers said that they did not use any repellant or take precautions to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes. The health department emphasized the importance of obtaining repellant, especially for older people. The EPA website has information on the best repellants as well as other products and the duration of their effectiveness.
West Nile Virus Prevention
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), WNV is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Currently, there are no vaccines to prevent WNV infection, so the best way is to prevent getting infected from mosquito bites. Here are some ways to do that:
Protecting Yourself and Family
- Use EPA-registered insect repellants with active ingredients of DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-methane-diol (PMD), and 2-undecanone. When used as directed, insect repellants are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding moms and children.
- Dress children with clothes that cover their arms and legs.
- Reapply insect repellants as directed.
- Treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin, an insect repellant that gives protection even after multiple washes.
- Use screens in windows and doors. Repair holes to keep mosquitoes outdoors.
- Use air conditioning if available.
- Stop mosquitoes from laying eggs by emptying items that can hold water.
When in Overseas
- Remember to pack EPA-registered insect repellants, pants and long sleeves treated with 0.5% permethrin, and mosquito nets.
- Choose hotels with air conditioning or window and door screens.
- Sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquito nets treated with permethrin provide more protection.
RELATED ARTICLE: West Nile Cases to Increase in L.A. Coastal Area Due to Climate Change
Check out more news and information on West Nile Virus in Science Times.
