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The New York City Department of Health announced on Tuesday that West Nile virus was found in two people as the number of infected mosquitoes reached a new record.
Two human cases have been reported, according to the city’s health department, as five districts of the city deal with pools of 1,068 mosquitoes that have tested positive for the virus. Compared to last year, New York City’s West Nile virus pool was 779.
The virus is usually spread to humans when an infected mosquito bites an individual, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These mosquitoes are usually present in the city from July to October, with activity peaking in August and he in September.
One case was reported in Brooklyn and another in Queens. So far this year, there have been a total of 54 cases in the United States, with four deaths.
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“We are in the height of West Nile virus season, but there are things we can do to reduce the risk of being bitten,” said Dr. Ashwin Bassan, the city’s health commissioner. Use repellent, wear long sleeves and long pants, especially outdoors at dusk and dawn when WNV-carrying mosquitoes are most active, and empty outdoor containers. You can prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water by doing these things: Throw away standing water or call 311 if you find standing water.Take these actions during WNV season. You can keep yourself and your loved ones safe by taking
There is currently no vaccine against the virus, so precautions such as repellents, wearing long clothing, and avoiding puddles may help reduce exposure.West Nile virus symptoms include body aches, rash , fatigue, and fever.
About 80% of individuals show no symptoms of the disease, and only 1% develop serious illness, according to the CDC.
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There are more than 40 species of mosquitoes in New York City, but according to the city’s health department, West Nile virus is usually transmitted by various Culex species, including Culex salinarius and Culex pipiens.
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