By
- Advance Local Express Desk
N.Y. — The New York City Health Department confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in the city this year, officials announced
The person contracted the virus after spending time outdoors in the city and several locations outside the city
Officials did not release what borough the individual lives in
The confirmation comes as the city has detected the virus in more than 1,000 mosquito pools across all five boroughs since June, nearly double the number found last year during the same period. Nationally, 222 human cases have been reported so far this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control, with most concentrated in Arizona, Texas and California
The virus spreads to people through the bite of an infected mosquito and cannot be transmitted from person to person. Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are present in New York City every year from June through October, with peak activity during August and September
“West Nile virus is spread by mosquito bites and cannot spread from person to person. The good news is it’s preventable. With mosquito season in full swing, we’re encouraging New Yorkers to take extra precautions to minimize the risk of mosquito bites,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. “The steps to protect yourself are simple: wear insect repellent, cover up during dawn and dusk, and get rid of standing water around your home. All New Yorkers should take these precautions seriously, especially older New Yorkers and those with a weakened immune system.”
Most people infected with the virus show no symptoms. However, some may develop fever, headache, muscle aches, rash and fatigue. About one in 150 people can develop West Nile neuroinvasive disease, a serious and potentially fatal illness affecting the brain and spinal cord that causes changes in mental status and muscle weakness requiring hospitalization
People 60 years and older face the highest risk of severe illness. Those 65 and older are three times as likely to develop neurologic illness as people younger than 65. People with chronic medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease, as well as those with weakened immune systems, also face elevated risk
The health department has conducted eight targeted mosquito control operations since July in neighborhoods where virus-positive mosquito pools were detected. These operations typically reduce adult mosquito populations by 70% and decrease virus-positive mosquito pools by more than 85%
The first positive mosquito pools this year were detected June 16. The health department conducted its first aerial larviciding operation from June 8 to June 10
West Nile virus was first detected in New York more than 25 years ago. From 2012 to 2021, an average of 16 people per year were diagnosed with West Nile neuroinvasive disease. From 2022 to 2025, that average increased to 31 people per year. Most New Yorkers diagnosed with West Nile virus reported they did not use repellent or take other precautions to prevent mosquito bites
Health officials recommend limiting outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, using EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when outdoors. Residents should also install and repair window and door screens
To prevent mosquito breeding, residents should empty standing water at least once each week from buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths, toys, tarps, plant saucers, clogged gutters and other containers. Swimming pools, hot tubs and ornamental ponds should be kept clean, chlorinated, covered or properly drained when not in use
Residents can report chronic standing water in private or public locations online or by calling 311. Information about completed and upcoming mosquito control operations is available at nyc.gov/mosquito
For more information about West Nile virus and mosquito prevention visit nyc.gov/health/wnv or call 311
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