NEW YORK CITY — A Brooklyn man has been infected with West Nile virus in the first human case of the season, the city’s health department reported Monday.
The man, whom officials described as being more than 40 years old with underlying medical conditions, was tested for West Nile after his diagnosis of encephalitis, a swelling of the brain that can be caused by the virus, the agency said in a statement.
The health department urged caution during the next four weeks as the West Nile season, which stretches from July to October, comes to a close.
“Wearing mosquito repellent when you are outdoors, getting rid of standing water, and installing window screens will reduce your risk of getting bitten,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett in a statement.
"New Yorkers age 60 and older or people with weakened immune systems should be especially careful as they are more likely to become seriously ill, and in rare cases die, if infected.”
This summer, the city has sprayed pesticides nine times and completed seven larvicide treatments in the five boroughs to reduce the risk of West Nile and Zika viruses, the Health Department said.
The Health Department also released an interactive map that allows city residents to monitor mosquito surveillance.
West Nile virus was first detected this summer in city mosquitos in June, near the Prince's Bay area in Staten Island.
There have been 318 cases of the West Nile Virus reported since 1999, the agency said.
