West Nile virus cases continue to increase; infected mosquitoes discovered throughout the tri-state
People who become sick can experience a rash, fever, head and body aches, including a stiff neck.
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Human cases of West Nile virus continue to rise and there has been an increase in mosquitoes becoming infected in the tri-state area.
Scientists confirmed the infected insects are rampant, as they normally are in August and September.
This means there is heightened risk of people getting bit and contracting the virus.
People who become sick can experience a rash, fever, head and body aches, including a stiff neck.
Two people in New York have been infected so far this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of Tuesday, there were 219 cases of the virus reported in the U.S.
Out of that total, 119 cases have been deemed neuroinvasive, which means that the virus has penetrated the blood-brain barrier, entered the nerve cells and could possibly cause someone to experience brain issues, according to the CDC.
Pools of mosquitoes throughout the tristate are testing positive for West Nile.
Most recently, mosquitos in Greenwood Lake, NY and in Bridgeport, CT tested positive.
Scientists recommend getting rid of any stagnant water because it's a breeding ground for mosquitoes. They say even a small amount of water, such as the amount in a bottle cap, could give mosquitoes a place to lay eggs.
People who spend time outdoors should not be out when it's dusk or dawn because that is when mosquitoes are most active.
People are also advised not to wear shorts or short-sleeved shirts and to use insect repellent.
