West Nile
Virus Affects All of NY
09:57 PM ET 08/03/00
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - After confirming
the West Nile virus in birds from five upstate
counties, state health officials said Thursday the
virus is likely present statewide.
Health Commissioner Antonia C.
Novello said the news shouldn't unnecessarily alarm
people, but stagnant water where mosquitoes breed
should be monitored and eliminated when possible. Some
people who are infected with West Nile virus show no
symptoms, but others suffer from flu-like symptoms.
West Nile can also cause encephalitis, a swelling of
the brain. The young and old and those with weakened
immune systems are considered most susceptible to it.
Less than one percent of those infected will because
seriously ill.
Last year, the first U.S. case of
West Nile virus was reported in late August, and a
total of seven people in the New York City area died
and 62 were infected.
The virus, commonly found in Africa,
Eastern Europe, West Asia and the Middle East, is
spread to humans by mosquitoes. Its appearance in the
New York area last year prompted a massive campaign of
aerial and ground spraying to kill mosquitoes.
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