On Long Island, health officials are reporting the first confirmed case of West Nile virus in a New York State resident this year.
The victim is a 66-year-old woman who lives in New Hyde Park, officially. She became ill on July 5th, and is now resting at home.
Prior to this, officials had observed an increase in the number of mosquitoes in New York City carrying the virus, with cases confirmed in every borough except Manhattan.
Today, the Health Department sprayed affected areas in parts of Queens, including Springfield Gardens and Jamaica Bay. Crews also sprayed parts of Staten Island, and will spray in the Bronx later this week.
The best way to prevent West Nile is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home, and to try avoiding the outdoors between dusk and dawn, when the insects are most active.
