West Nile Virus Found In New York City Mosquitoes: Officials

NEW YORK CITY — Mosquitoes with the potentially deadly West Nile Virus have been detected across New York City, the Health Department announced.

Mosquitoes collected in Staten Island Queens and Brooklyn tested positive for the disease and will trigger larvicide drops and enhanced surveillance in the areas where they were found, the Health Department said in a warning issued Wednesday.

“We want New Yorkers to enjoy the outdoors this summer,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot, "But we also want people to protect themselves against mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent and covering their arms and legs."

There were 61 positive mosquito pools found in the Queens neighborhood Cambria Heights, one undisclosed Brooklyn neighborhood and Staten Island neighborhoods Bay Terrace, Eltingville, Great Kills, Old Town, Richmond Town and Rossville, according to Health Department records.

There have been no human cases reported in New York City this year, but as of July 9 one was reported in New Jersey and 39 across the U.S.

West Nile Virus is potentially fatal and has claimed the lives of 38 New Yorkers since it was first detected in the city in 1999, the Health Department said.

People older than 50 or with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to the virus and more likely to suffer brain and spinal cord infections if infected.

Health officials recommend New Yorkers use insect repellent, keep screens on their windows, eliminate standing water near their homes and regularly clean out gutters, pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.

More information about West Nile virus is available on the city Health Department website.