First Human Case of West Nile Virus Diagnosed in City

NEW YORK, NY — The city's first human case of West Nile virus in 2016 was diagnosed on Monday, according to the Health Department. At the same time, the Health Department took the opportunity to remind New Yorkers there have still been zero local transmissions of Zika virus in the city.

A Brooklyn man was diagnosed with encephalitis, inflammation in the brain, caused by the West Nile virus, the Health Department said Monday. According to officials, the man was over 40 and had "underlying health conditions."

"This season's first case of West Nile virus is a reminder to protect ourselves against mosquito bites," said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett in a statement. "Wearing mosquito repellent when you are outdoors, getting rid of standing water and installing window screens will reduce your risk of getting bitten. New Yorkers age 60 and older or people with weakened immune systems should be especially careful as they are more likely to become seriously ill, and in rare cases die, if infected."

While this was the first case of West Nile virus in a person this year, the city has a few dozen cases a year on average. They usually occur between July and October, according to the Health Department, and this year's diagnosis was two weeks later than last year's. There were 30 cases diagnosed in the city last year, according to Health Department numbers, and 12 in 2014.

The Health Department first discovered West Nile virus in mosquitos this season back on June 20.

Even as the news was about West Nile virus being diagnosed in the city, the Health Department took the opportunity to confirm there have been no local cases of Zika virus in the city, either in people or mosquitos. The city has been spraying extensively for mosquitoes, which carry both diseases. The city began spraying on May 12 and the most recent round was done on Sept. 7 to 9.

There have been 550 positive tests for Zika virus in the city this year, but they are all travel-related, according to the city Health Department. There have been 58 cases discovered in pregnant women, who are at risk for birth defects in their children.

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