Westchester has first West Nile Virus cases this year

A New Rochelle resident and a Mount Vernon resident have tested positive for West Nile Virus, marking the first confirmed human cases in Westchester County this year, according to the county.

The county’s Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler said, “These first cases of West Nile Virus are earlier than usual and should serve as a reminder to all of us to remove all standing water around your home every time after it rains.  They are also a reminder to use repellents when you spend time outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.”

The county says that West Nile Virus most often causes a mild or moderate flu-like illness, but can be more serious, especially for people age 65 and older, and those with underlying medical conditions. Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property should report them to the County Health Department. Throughout the season, the County Health Department traps and tests mosquitoes to track the presence of viruses they carry.

People only get West Nile Virus when they are bitten by a mosquito that has bitten an infected bird. The county says that areas of standing water can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes and it is wise to remove items where water can pool such old tires, buckets, wheelbarrows, toys and other items.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that West Nile virus activity typically occurs during the summer months and into the fall. The annual number of reported West Nile cases can fluctuate widely. Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.

The CDC sais that recovery from severe illness might take several weeks or months. Some effects might be permanent. About 1 out of 10 people who develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system die.