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  September 4, 2002
www.nyc.gov

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM WEST NILE VIRUS
By Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg


This summer the news has been filled with reports of the spread of West Nile across the United States. Compared with other areas of the other country, New York has been largely spared from the worst of the virus, which is known to be spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has waged an aggressive campaign of public education, lavarcide, the tracking of birds and mosquitoes, and spraying to protect people from the virus. We are determined to do as much as necessary to reduce the impact of the virus on our City.

While your chances of becoming infected with West Nile virus are very low, West Nile is a serious disease, and people over the age of 50 or with compromised immune systems are at greatest risk. We should all take precautions to reduce the risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus, particularly from April to October, when mosquitoes are most active. Dr. Thomas Frieden, Commissioner of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, advises New Yorkers to take the following personal precautions against mosquitoes:

New Yorkers are also encouraged to help "Mosquito-Proof" our City by eliminating areas of standing water around their homes:

Most people who are infected with West Nile virus either have no symptoms or experience mild illness such as a fever, headache and body aches before fully recovering. Some persons may also develop a mild rash or swollen lymph glands. If you develop a fever, muscle weakness, headaches and confusion, you should seek medical care immediately.

For more information about West Nile virus, you can call the New York City Department of Health's West Nile Information Line, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-877-WNV-4NYC (1-877-968-4692); TTY/TDD (212) 788-4947 Monday through Friday during business hours; or visit their website at www.nyc.gov/health.


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