West Nile Virus Alert Up in New York; NY Health Officials Share Prevention Tips

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Mosquitoes are the main carriers of the West Nile Virus, and although most patients don't show signs or symptoms, this virus can often lead to deadly diseases.

NBC New York writes that samples of infected mosquitoes have been gathered from Selden, NY, marking the second case of positive West Nile Virus in the Suffolk county this year, after its discovery in South Huntington last June. Health officials have also collected evidence in Queens and Staten Island last week, although no human cases are reported yet this year.

In 1999, West Nile Virus in birds and mosquitoes were first detected, and has become a yearly incidence since then. Last summer, four people were reported to have suffered from the deadly virus, three of which were hospitalized.

Washington Times reports that public health officials in the state of New York are prompting residents to stay alert. Protection from the deadly virus should be practiced at all cost, either by removing long-standing waters in possible mosquito-breeding areas or using repellents and avoiding places where mosquitoes are reported to be most active.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has also released precautionary measures against contacting West Nile virus. Among them are the following:

Avoid mosquito bites at all cost.

- Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products for longer protection. Make sure to read and follow label instructions.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when going outdoors if the weather permits.
- Take extra precaution during dusk to dawn as this is the time of the day when mosquitoes bite the most

Make homes impervious to mosquitoes.

- Install screens and repair broken window covers to keep mosquitoes outside.
- Empty standing water from containers such as flower pots, gutters, and the like.

Support community West Nile Virus surveillance and control programs.

- Check with your local community and health department for more information.
- Contact them if pertinent information has been found using the blue pages of the phone book.
- Inform local authorities for dead birds sightings as this can be a sign that a West Nile virus is in circulation within the area.

The Eastern Equine Encephalitis, another mosquito-borne disease, has not yet been detected in New York.