2004 Positive Results Summary
| WNV POSITIVE RESULTS |
Citywide Totals |
Bronx |
Brook-
lyn |
Man-
hattan |
Queens |
Staten Island |
| Birds |
43 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
14 |
21 |
| Horses |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| Non-Horse Mammal ‡ |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Mosquito Pools |
185 |
11 |
24 |
2 |
33 |
115 |
| Human Cases |
| West Nile Encephalitis or Meningitis* |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1*** |
0 |
1 |
| West Nile Fever** |
3 |
0 |
0 |
2*** |
1 |
0 |
* Hospitalized Cases of West Nile Encephalitis or Meningitis.
** Tested positive for West Nile infection, had mild symptoms and did not require hospitalization.
*** Did not acquire West Nile infection in New York City, infection likely associated with travel.
‡ Not all animals testing positive are necessarily ill or symptomatic of WNV infection. Some specimens are tested only for surveillance purposes.
Birds: Dead birds are tested by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Health.
Mosquito Pools: Mosquitoes are collected from over 90 locations Citywide and tested by the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene.
Human Cases: Healthcare providers in New York City are required to report all patients hospitalized with viral encephalitis and meningitis to the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene. Blood and spinal fluid specimens are tested for West Nile virus by the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene.
While the Health Department's surveillance efforts are able to confirm evidence of West Nile virus in the above mentioned areas, given the widespread presence of the virus, it should be protected against in all areas of New York City where the virus is just as likely to be detected. Residents of New York City can help reduce the risk of West Nile virus by eliminating areas of standing water and by taking precautions against mosquitoes. The Department of Health & Mental Hygiene urges New Yorkers, particularly those 50 and older, to take the following personal precautions:
- If outside from dusk to dawn - when mosquitoes are most active - or during the day in an area where there are weeds, tall grass, or bushes:
- Wear protective clothing, such as long pants; loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts; and socks.
- Consider the use of an insect repellent containing DEET (use DEET according to manufacturer's directions on the label).
- Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens that have tears or holes.
For more information about West Nile virus, call the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene at 311; or check our Web site at nyc.gov/health.
