Latest news with #mosquitoes
CBS News
4 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
West Nile virus detected in NYC mosquitoes as experts track rise in U.S. cases
Mosquitoes and their blood-sucking bites are more than just pesky. They can carry diseases like West Nile virus, and experts say they're seeing a rise in cases across the U.S. While no human cases have not been reported in New York City so far in 2025, the virus has been found in mosquitoes. The NYC Department of Health reported mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus in Staten Island, Queens and the Bronx. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 49 human cases have been reported in 15 states, including Arizona, Louisiana and Texas, so far this year. "There are more cases than have been identified," Dr. Nischay Mishra, an associate professor at Columbia University Medical Center, said. He said cases are being reported this year in counties not seen in the past. "Kind of concerned, especially because we have not reached the peak season of the West Nile virus yet," he said. Mishra said peak season for West Nile virus is in August and September. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, climate change increases the risk of human exposure to West Nile virus. Monday's torrential rain and flash flooding followed by several days of high humidity in the Tri-State Area made it difficult for pools of water to evaporate, and created breeding grounds for mosquitoes. City residents are required to eliminate standing water to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Experts say it's also vital to protect yourself from bites. "The key here is to use mosquito repellents with DEET or picaridin," said Dr. Celine Grounder. NYC Health said it monitors mosquito populations and applies pesticides during the summer to reduce the spread of viruses.
CBS News
4 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
West Nile virus detected in mosquitoes in Northeast Philadelphia, health officials say
Philadelphia health officials are warning residents after West Nile virus was found in mosquitoes in Northeast Philadelphia earlier this month. Officials said the disease was detected in mosquitoes near Pennypack Park during a routine surveillance for the virus. The Department of Health has alerted area doctors and medical offices to look out for patients with symptoms of the virus and for residents to take precautions against the virus. Those precautions include wearing long sleeves, using bug spray with DEET, and making sure you discard any standing water. West Nile virus is a single-stranded RNA virus that causes West Nile fever. It is a member of the family Flaviviridae, from the genus Flavivirus, which also contains the Zika virus, dengue virus, and yellow fever virus. The virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes. West Nile virus season in the United States generally runs from summer through fall, with the peak activity typically occurring in now through early September. This is when mosquito populations are at their highest and most active, especially during dusk and dawn. The average number of West Nile virus cases in the U.S. varies annually, but the CDC reports that in 2022, 1,132 cases were reported. The disease is most common during the summer and early fall months. The CDC tracks West Nile virus cases through various surveillance systems, including human, animal, and mosquito surveillance. All suspected and confirmed cases of West Nile virus should be reported to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health at 215-685-6741.
CBS News
5 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Spraying begins in Northern Colorado due to increase in West Nile infected mosquitoes
Officials in Northern Colorado are planning to spray for mosquitoes due to an increase in the number of mosquitoes with West Nile Virus. According to the city of Fort Collins, higher numbers of mosquitoes with the virus were trapped in the area earlier in July. City officials said the West Nile infection rate in mosquitoes is currently 11 times higher than the historical average, and four times higher than it was in 2023. Mosquito spraying is scheduled to take place on July 17 and July 20 in southern Fort Collins from Taft Hill Road to Zeigler Road between Horsetooth Road and Trilby Road. The city said portions of the Westchase and Ketcher Farm neighborhoods south of Trilby Road will also be sprayed. Fogging trucks will begin spraying around 8 p.m. and will finish by approximately 2 a.m.
The Standard
5 days ago
- Health
- The Standard
France reports 30 local cases of chikungunya in two months
The World Health Organization notes that both chikungunya and dengue fever are transmitted by mosquitoes. (File)
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Fears grow as 'paralyzing' disease moves into new US states... is your hometown at risk?
Pennsylvania health officials are on alert after testing identified West Nile virus in mosquitoes living there. The mosquitoes were collected came from Wilkinsburg, Schenley Park, Mt. Washington, Beltzhoover, Mt. Oliver, and Hazelwood, areas around Pittsburgh. While no infections have been detected in Pennsylvania in people, the virus has cropped up in 14 states already. Health officials across the US, including Kentucky, California, Indiana, and Minnesota have detected West Nile in mosquito samples this month and have ramped up public warnings and bug sprays in public spaces. An Allegheny County resident was diagnosed with the virus last July and had to be hospitalized, though details on the case remain under wraps. Most people who catch West Nile virus won't even realize it, but about one in five people infected develop flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. Around one percent of infected people develop serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses, like swelling of the brain or spinal cord, which can lead to confusion, seizures, paralysis, or death. West Nile is fatal in about one out of 10 people with nervous system infections, or about one in 1,500 people with West Nile. Older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those with certain chronic conditions face the highest risk of severe illness due to West Nile. Even survivors of severe West Nile illness may experience long-lasting complications, including memory problems, chronic fatigue, muscle tremors, or permanent neurological damage. It is the leading mosquito-borne disease in the US and is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. Most cases occur during mosquito season, which typically begins in the spring and lasts through the fall. Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) Vector Control Specialist Nicholas Baldauf said: 'Generally, the species of mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are active from dusk to dawn. 'Residents can prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent on exposed skin or choosing to wear long sleeves and pants. Both methods are effective at reducing or eliminating the possibility of getting a mosquito bite.' Anne Dillard, an Atlanta woman, was left 'practically paralyzed' from the waist down after contracting West Nile virus from a mosquito bite. She collapsed at home and was rushed to Emory University Hospital, where doctors confirmed the infection. Despite retaining sensation, she lost muscle strength, leaving her unable to sit, stand, or walk. She also suffered from lethargy, loss of appetite, and a spreading rash. Her case emerged just minutes after Dr Anthony Fauci revealed his own West Nile diagnosis, highlighting how even healthy individuals can face severe symptoms. Meanwhile John Proctor VI, an 18-year-old from Missouri became paralyzed from the neck down and relies on a ventilator to breathe after contracting West Nile virus from a mosquito bite. The previously healthy teen, who recently graduated high school and was training to become a diesel mechanic, first developed headaches and dizziness in early August before his condition rapidly worsened. Within days, he suffered slurred speech, muscle weakness, and paralysis, prompting his parents to rush him to the hospital fearing a stroke. Doctors confirmed a rare neuro-invasive form of West Nile virus, which attacks the nervous system. His father described the ordeal as 'out of nowhere' and said his son is now battling stroke-like symptoms and pneumonia. There is no cure, only rest and pain management, and recovery can take months, often with lasting effects. West Nile, first detected in 1999, now appears nationwide, causing about 2,200 severe cases and 180 deaths annually. Every spring, the ACHD treats known mosquito breeding sites with larvicide and sets traps to monitor for West Nile and other viruses. These surveillance efforts help track disease risk and inform decisions about when additional measures, such as nighttime mosquito spraying, are necessary. Baldauf said: 'Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half inch of stagnant water, so residents should pay close attention to potential breeding sites like stagnant water in tires, unused swimming pools, buckets, corrugated piping, and clogged gutters. West Nile is primarily spread by Culex mosquitoes, which transmit the virus through their saliva. They mainly live near stagnant water sources. Mosquito-borne disease experts are increasingly alarmed that as global temperatures climb toward dangerous new thresholds, warmer, wetter, and more humid conditions will take hold in regions that were once too cool for large mosquito populations. These shifting climates create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, extending their active season and speeding up their life cycles. As species like Culex mosquitoes expand into new areas, their longer lifespans and faster viral incubation times give them more opportunities to spread dangerous illnesses, not just West Nile virus, but also malaria, dengue fever, and Zika. The health department urges people to protect themselves by clearing standing water from their yards, using screens on windows and doors, and applying insect repellent to exposed skin, particularly during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
