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West Nile virus detected in nearly twice as many NYC mosquito pools as last year
Gothamist • • health
Key Points:
- New York City has seen nearly double the number of West Nile virus-positive mosquito pools this year compared to the same time last year, with 612 positive pools detected as of July 25 versus 326 last year.
- The first positive mosquito pool was identified earlier this year on June 16, indicating an earlier start to the virus's presence compared to July 1 last year.
- No human cases have been reported yet this season, but cases typically occur between mid-July and early fall, with older adults and immunocompromised individuals at highest risk for severe illness.
- The city's health department is expanding mosquito surveillance and control efforts, including deploying additional traps, treating larvae, and conducting targeted mosquito control operations in affected neighborhoods.
- Residents are urged to take precautions such as using EPA-registered insect repellent, avoiding outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, repairing screens, and eliminating standing water to prevent mosquito bites.
