New Yorker dies from West Nile virus

A 76-year-old resident of Westchester County has died of the West Nile virus. This is the first victim of this disease in 2020. This is reported by the edition New York Post.

First victim in 2020

The 76-year-old county resident, who was diagnosed this year, lived in Yonkers. She passed away on 22 August. This was announced by Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler.

“The vast majority of people who become infected with this virus do recover, and usually we only have a few cases each year,” Amler said.

Last year, one Westchester resident contracted the West Nile virus. There were four cases in 2018.

What is important to know about this virus

Symptoms of the virus are similar to flu or food poisoning and can include fever, body aches and gastrointestinal problems, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted.

The most effective way to prevent infection with this virus is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. “Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, treat clothing, and take measures to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors,” the agency advised.

West Nile virus first appeared in New York two decades ago. Its victims annually fall from 3 to 47 people.

About 80% of people who contract it have no symptoms of the disease. But in some people, especially those over 50 or those with weakened immune systems, the virus can cause serious and potentially fatal infections of the brain and spinal cord.

The main symptoms are: headache, fever, muscle pain and extreme fatigue.

The main vectors of the virus are several species of Culex mosquitoes, which spread from April to September. Officials from the Department of Health each year actively take measures to eradicate the larvae of these mosquitoes.

On the subject: Dangerous tick-borne disease increases in New York: symptoms similar to COVID-19

This year also took the necessary measures - July 7 New York Starts Fighting West Nile Fever Mosquitoes. To this end, all boros in New York conducted aerial pesticide treatment.

How to protect yourself

New Yorkers must also take care of their safety. The first thing to do is to get rid of standing water and protect yourself from mosquito bites with sprays.

Key recommendations for virus protection:

• Use an approved insect repellant containing DEET (Diethyltoluamide), picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil (not for children under 3535 years of age), or products containing the active ingredient IRXNUMX.
• Install insect screens on windows if they are missing. Replace those with holes and holes.
• Make sure that there is no standing water in your yard, dispose of containers that may collect water. Make sure that the gutters on the roof are clean and provide a reliable outflow of water.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered when not in use. Drain off water that collects in pool covers.

Failure to follow these rules is a violation of the NYC Health Code. You can report standing water by calling 311 or visiting this Web site. For more information on West Nile virus, call 311 or visit City Hall website.

Virus details West Nile is available here.