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West Nile Detected In Staten Island Mosquitoes
By
Garth Johnston
Published Jul 10, 2012
Modified Jul 10, 2012
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By
Garth Johnston
Published Jul 10, 2012
Modified Jul 10, 2012
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The West Nile virus has been detected in NYC mosquitoes again, the first time the disease has been officially confirmed in the city this year. And once again, the first infected bugs popped up on Staten Island, according to the Department of Health.
According to the DOH, the infected mosquitoes came from the New Dorp Beach and Bulls Head areas. No human cases have been discovered so far this year.
"West Nile Virus has been detected on Staten Island, but simple precautions can help protect you and your family," NYC Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said in a statement. "Wear mosquito repellent when you’re outdoors, and cover your arms and legs if you’re outside at dawn or dusk. People over 50 should be especially cautious, as they are more likely to develop serious illness if they contract the virus."
Symptoms include neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, paralysis, and all sorts of terrible things.
And while we're on the topic of blood sucking insects, anybody else read that crazy Michael Specter piece in The New Yorker about breeding mosquitoes with "autocidal" genes that kick in when its progeny hatch? Good times.
Tagged
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mosquitoes
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west nile
Garth Johnston
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