WHITE PLAINS – The first human case of West Nile virus this year, confirmed in a 72-year-old Irvington resident who had been hospitalized, is now recovering at home, Westchester County Health Department officials said. No signs of mosquito breeding activity were found around the resident’s home, but catch basins in the area were treated with larvacide.
“The first case of West Nile virus serves to remind all of us to take precautions against mosquito bites by removing standing water from our property after it rains and using repellents when we spend time outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active,” said County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler.
The virus most often causes a mild or moderate flu-like illness but can be more serious particularly for people 60 and older, and those with other health complications.
So far this year, West Nile virus was identified in three batches of local mosquitoes out of 199 batches tested so far. Last year, the virus was identified in five local mosquito batches out of 380 submitted for testing and three people were diagnosed with West Nile virus.
