On August 19, 2024, the New York City Health Department reported the first cases of West Nile virus disease in New Yorkers this year. The virus has been detected in mosquito pools across all five boroughs, with four confirmed human cases. These individuals, residing in Queens and Manhattan, include one person diagnosed with West Nile fever and three others hospitalized with neuroinvasive disease since late July. Additionally, the virus was found in blood donations from three people in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. Investigations are ongoing for two potential cases in the Bronx.
West Nile virus is typically active in New York City from May through October, peaking in August and September. Infected mosquitoes can transmit the virus to humans through bites. To combat this, the Health Department has conducted extensive mosquito control efforts, including 10 adulticiding spray operations, three aerial larvicidings, two rounds of catch basin larviciding, and 1,634 ground-based larvicidings.
Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan emphasized the importance of public cooperation in preventing the spread of West Nile virus. He advised using EPA-registered insect repellents, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquito activity is highest. The Health Department continues to educate the public, treat marshy areas, and spray for mosquitoes to reduce the risk of infection.