The New York City Health Department on Tuesday announced the detection of the West Nile virus in two people. Here’s all about the increasing infections across the city.
West Nile virus: Another addition to the list of threats
The presence of the West Nile virus is another potential health threat for New Yorkers. This time, the summer includes a monkeypox outbreak in addition to a highly infectious COVID-19 variant. Additionally, polio is also circulating in the city’s sewage. The city’s health department on Tuesday announced its detection of two people, one in Queens and another in Brooklyn. They also announced a “record number” of infected mosquitoes throughout NYC.
A total of 1,068 mosquito pools tested positive for the virus compared to last year’s 779. The authorities detected the first case in 1999. But over the course of the last decade, between 6 to 30 people test positive every year. The death rate for the infection is 14. This year, the first cases were detected last week. Higher than average temperatures is the most important factor for infections. Larvae are maturing quickly due to the increasing temperatures.
In order to curb infections, the department is applying larvicides to breeding areas. “So far this season, we have conducted multiple larviciding events, treated all 150,000 catchbasins, and are currently conducting two spray events per week to control adult mosquitoes where surveillance indicates WNV-positive mosquitoes are at a level that could impact public health,” stated Shari Logan. Logan is a spokesperson for NYC’s Health Department.
What are the risks associated with the West Nile virus?
The West Nile virus spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can infect humans, birds, and a range of other mammals. Fortunately, it does not spread between people through casual contact.
CDC officials revealed that while some may not develop symptoms, others may experience mild to moderate illness. One in every five patients develops a fever in addition to headaches, body, and joint pain, rashes, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, one in every 150 patients may suffer a severe illness that affects the central nervous system. Hence, they might experience symptoms such as stiffness, vision loss, paralysis, disorientation, or coma. The risk of a severe infection is high for senior citizens and those with other ailments. The median for the West Nile virus in NYC is 62 years. Recovery from this virus can take several weeks or months. Unfortunately, damage to the central nervous system is permanent. Currently, there is no vaccination to prevent infections.