Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
First 2012 Human West Nile Infection Detected On Staten Island
By
Garth Johnston
Published Jul 26, 2012
Modified Jul 26, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Garth Johnston
Published Jul 26, 2012
Modified Jul 26, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Not only did Staten Island get NYC's first reported West Nile-infected mosquito of the year—it also got the city's first human case of the virus for the season, according to the Department of Health. So who was the lucky homo sapien? Apparently it was a Staten Island man over the age of 50.
On the plus side the victim, who was hospitalized with viral meningitis, was treated and has since been released from the hospital. Still, as Health Commissioner Thomas Farley points out, "This first human case of West Nile virus this season provides a vital reminder to protect ourselves against mosquito bites. Eliminating standing water from your property will help prevent mosquitos from multiplying. Wearing mosquito repellent when you are outdoors, and long sleeves and pants in the morning and evening will reduce your risk of infection. New Yorkers age 50 and older should be especially careful as they are more likely to become seriously ill, and in rare instances die, if infected."
Since it was first detected in the U.S., 252 New Yorkers have been diagnosed with West Nile Virus. Symptoms include neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, paralysis, and all sorts of terrible things.
Tagged
department of health
mosquitoes
staten island
west nile
west nile virus
original
Garth Johnston
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Queens man found dead, police say, and injured woman is his mother, neighbors say
Police are investigating a related incident in which a 62-year-old woman was found injured beneath the Van Wyck Expressway.
By
Charles Lane
Published Oct 14, 2026 at 7:39 p.m. ET
Man shot by ICE in NYC's Marble Hill said federal officers never identified themselves
The wounded man said he didn't learn ICE agents were involved until he woke up in the hospital.
By
Arya Sundaram
and
Samantha Max
News
Man shot by ICE in NYC's Marble Hill said federal officers never identified themselves
The wounded man said he didn't learn ICE agents were involved until he woke up in the hospital.
By
Arya Sundaram
and
Samantha Max
Brooklyn school dean says MTA officers assaulted him over a $3 bus fare he says he paid
By
Carol Chen
National Grid customers in NYC will see higher gas bills this winter
By
Rosemary Misdary
Bruce Blakeman joins Gov. Hochul in support for expanding NY rape law
By
Jon Campbell
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .