West Nile Virus detected on Staten Island, New York City

GlobalPost

The New York City Health Department says it has detected West Nile Virus in some mosquitoes on Staten Island.

The infected mosquitoes were collected from the neighborhoods of New Dorp Beach and Bull's Head a day after the city preformed its annual spraying for mosquitoes, according to DNA Info.

My Foxy NY says its the first time the virus has turned up in the borough this season.  No human case has been reported.

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The last time West Nile was identified in the city was last September, when it was detected in all five boroughs, Metro reports.

"West Nile Virus has been detected on Staten Island, but simple precautions can help protect you and your family," the New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Farley is quoted as saying by AFP.  “Wear mosquito repellent when you’re outdoors, and cover your arms and legs if you’re outside at dawn or dusk."

The news agency explains that most cases of West Nile in humans are benign, with only minor symptoms. However, Medical News Today says there is a small chance that infected individuals may develop a life-threatening illness like encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain; myelitis, inflammation of the spinal cord; or meningitis.

West Nile Virus was first discovered in Uganda in 1937 and is indigenous to Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia.

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