“`html
West Nile Virus: First Human Cases Confirmed in New York City, 2025
Table of Contents
New York City health officials have confirmed the first human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2025. The cases, detected in [Specify Boroughs – *missing detail*], signal the start of the WNV season and prompt public health advisories regarding mosquito bite prevention.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) is actively monitoring mosquito populations throughout the five boroughs. Mosquito surveillance began in [Month – *missing detail*] and has identified WNV-positive mosquito pools in [Specific Locations – *missing detail*]. The confirmed human cases involve [Number] individuals, with reported symptoms including [List Symptoms – *missing detail*].The ages of those affected range from [Age Range – *missing detail*].
Understanding West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus, belonging to the flavivirus family, was first detected in the United States in 1999 in New York City. Since then, it has spread across the continental United States and into Canada and the Caribbean.
The majority of individuals (approximately 80%) infected with WNV do not develop any symptoms.Though,about 20% will experiance mild,flu-like symptoms such as fever,headache,body aches,nausea,vomiting,and sometimes swollen lymph glands. Less than 1% of infected individuals develop severe neurological illness, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). Severe cases can lead to paralysis, coma, and even death.
Prevention and Mitigation
The NYC DOHMH recommends the following preventative measures to reduce the risk of WNV infection:
- Use insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone according to label instructions.
- Wear Protective Clothing: When outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Empty and scrub containers that hold water,such as flowerpots,buckets,and tires,at least once a week.
- Use Window Screens: Ensure window and door screens are in good
