MORE SUCCOMB TO WEST NILE

A Day after Reporting the Season's First Case of West Nile Viral Disease, the Health Department Identifies Two More

Agency urges New Yorkers, especially those 50 or older, to take precautions against mosquito bites

Yesterday, the Health Department identified West Nile viral disease in a 74-year-old woman and a 46-year-old woman. Both are from Staten Island and both received hospital care. The new reports come a day after the agency identified the season's first human case in a 61-year-old Bronx man, who was hospitalized with meningitis. West Nile viral infections typically begin around this time in the summer. In response to these cases, and the growing number of mosquitoes testing positive for the virus, the Health Department is urging New Yorkers, especially those 50 and older, to take steps to prevent infection.

Reducing Exposure to Mosquitoes

Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
Make sure windows have screens, and repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
Eliminate any standing water from your property, and dispose of containers that can collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.
Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.
Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting http://www.nyc.gov/health/wnv .

To date, 201 New Yorkers have been diagnosed with West Nile viral disease since it was first found in the United States in 1999, including 3 in 2009 and 15 in 2008.

The Health Department uses an "integrated pest management" approach to monitor the city for West Nile Virus and control its spread by mosquitoes. The agency inspects and treats standing water sites with non-chemical larvicides to kill larval mosquitoes before they emerge as flying adults. When necessary, the agency also applies small amounts of chemical pesticides (adulticides) to kill adult mosquitoes. A schedule of mosquito control activities is available online at nyc.gov/health or by phone from the 311 call center.

About West Nile virus

West Nile virus infection can cause a mild or moderate flu-like illness, or sometimes no symptoms at all. But in some people, particularly those 50 and older, it can cause a serious and potentially fatal infection of the brain and spinal cord. The most common symptoms are headache, fever, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. Symptoms of more severe illness can also include changes in mental status and muscle weakness. If you think you have symptoms of West Nile Virus, see your doctor right away. For more information about West Nile Virus, and how to avoid it, visit nyc.gov/health or call 311.

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