Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Aug 24: New York City has reported its first human cases of West Nile virus this year, raising concerns as mosquito activity peaks across the five boroughs.

Health officials on Friday confirmed that two residents of Queens were diagnosed with the infection. One patient, who developed West Nile fever, was briefly hospitalized and has since recovered. The other, suffering from the more severe neuroinvasive form of the disease leading to encephalitis, remains admitted in hospital.

The New York City Health Department said the virus has been found in mosquito pools across all five boroughs since July. In addition, two blood donations, one each from Brooklyn and Staten Island, tested positive but did not meet the criteria for confirmed cases. Two more possible cases from Brooklyn are under investigation.

West Nile virus, first identified in Uganda in 1937, spreads primarily through the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes that pick up the virus from birds. Most infected people show no symptoms, while about 20% develop flu-like illness marked by fever, body aches, and rash. Less than 1% suffer severe complications like meningitis, encephalitis, or paralysis, which can prove fatal.

Those over 60, organ transplant recipients, and individuals with weak immune systems or chronic ailments are at greater risk of serious illness.

Authorities have urged residents to take precautions by avoiding mosquito bites, using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating stagnant water around homes. “As summer turns to fall, the risk remains. Simple preventive steps can save lives,” a city health official said.