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West Nile virus detected in nearly twice as many NYC mosquito pools as last year
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Aug 6, 2026
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Darren McCollester/Getty Images
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Aug 6, 2026
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Across New York City, there’s been a spike in mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus, a disease that can cause severe neurologic illness in rare cases.
As of Thursday, the virus had been detected in nearly twice as many mosquito pools as at this point last year, according to the city's health department.
The virus, which can cause mild symptoms in some people and severe neurologic illness in rare cases, has been detected in the city’s mosquito population for decades.
Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus, which spreads to humans through infected mosquito bites, are present in the city from June through October. While no human cases have been reported in New York City this season, cases are typically reported between mid-July and early fall.
The health department identified 612 West Nile virus-positive mosquito pools as of July 25, compared with 326 positive pools at the same point last year.
The first positive mosquito pool this year was detected on June 16. Last year, the first positive pool wasn't identified until July 1.
Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin said the early detections show the city's mosquito surveillance system is working as intended.
“Now is the time for every New Yorker, especially older adults and people with weakened immune systems, to take simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites,” Martin said.
The health department said it is expanding mosquito surveillance in affected areas by deploying additional traps and increasing mosquito control efforts, including treating mosquito larvae before they can transmit the virus.
The department said it has conducted four targeted mosquito control operations since July in neighborhoods where 315 West Nile virus-positive mosquito pools were detected. Officials said additional mosquito control operations are planned in the coming weeks.
Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of severe illness. Health officials are urging New Yorkers to use EPA-registered insect repellent, limit outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, repair window and door screens, and eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed.
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Health and Science
new york city
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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