Two West Nile virus cases in N.Y. amid surge in infected mosquitos. (WaPo)

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From The Washington Post:

Two West Nile virus cases in N.Y. amid surge in infected mosquitos

By Lindsey Bever

August 17, 2022 at 4:01 p.m. EDT

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Two people have been diagnosed with West Nile virus in New York City, local health authorities announced Tuesday — the latest battle for a state that has been grappling with the coronavirus and, more recently, monkeypox and polio cases.

City health department officials said one case of West Nile virus (WNV) was reported in Brooklyn and another in Queens as “a record number” of infected mosquitoes have been detected in all five boroughs. 

“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.

Since the virus is typically transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, Vasan suggested using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants — particularly when outside at dawn or dusk when the insects are most active — and keeping water from collecting in any outdoor containers.

Most patients have a complete recovery, although it may take weeks or even months, the CDC said.

In rare but serious cases, a small number of people may develop complications such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord), which can be fatal, according to the CDC.

He was ‘perfectly healthy’ before the mosquito bite. Nine days later, he was brain dead.

Even more rare, another mosquito-borne illness, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), was recently discovered in mosquitoes in Upstate New York. Infected mosquito pools have been found in Madison County and in Oswego County, but cases have not been reported in humans, according to surveillance data. The virus, which causes inflammation of the brain, can be serious — about 30 percent of those who are infected die and many who survive go on to suffer long-term neurological complications, according to the CDC.

There are no vaccines to prevent West Nile virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis and there are no specific anti-viral medications to treat them. Patients with these mosquito-borne illnesses are given supportive care and treated for any potential complications.

Those who experience symptoms are encouraged to contact their health-care providers.