West Nile Virus Breaks Record In NYC Mosquitoes, 2 People Infected

NEW YORK CITY — The number of New York City mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus has reached the highest level on record, city health officials announced Tuesday — and two humans have come down with cases.

Across the five boroughs, 1,068 mosquitoes have been found carrying the virus so far in 2022, compared to 779 through this time last year, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said in a news release.

Two humans — one each in Brooklyn and Queens — have been infected with the virus, whose symptoms can include headache, fever, muscle aches and extreme fatigue, the agency said. Some cases can be fatal, especially for older patients, while others can cause no symptoms at all.

"We are in the height of West Nile virus season, but there are things you can do to decrease your risk of being bitten," Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan said in a statement.

"Use an EPA registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, especially when outside at dusk and dawn when the types of mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active."

West Nile-infected mosquitoes are usually present in New York from July through October, peaking in August and September, the agency said. The insects spread the virus to humans through bites.

Across the U.S., 54 total human cases have been reported this year — including four deaths, the department said.

Cases of West Nile are expected to rise across much of the U.S. as climate change causes temperatures to rise to levels more favorable for mosquitoes, according to recent news reports.

People can visit the EPA's website to learn about approved insect repellents. Other steps include making sure windows have screens, clearing any standing water from your property, cleaning and draining roof gutters, and cleaning nad chlorinating swimming pools, saunas and hot tubs.