The first case of the West Nile Virus illness in the Capital Region has been confirmed in Albany County, according to the county Department of Health.
The illness presented itself in a 60-year-old man, who is resting at home after a brief hospital visit. The state Department of Health believes the mosquito-borne infection was a product of recent flooding that may have increased mosquito populations.
Since Sept. 16, the state DOH said there have been 12 confirmed cases of the West Nile Virus illness. The other cases have been reported in every borough of New York City, except Staten Island, and Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties.
The disease does not generate any symptoms in some cases and about 20 percent of infected people have only mild symptoms, including fever, headache and body aches. In other cases, though, the virus can cause serious illness or death, but usually in older adults.
Officials recommend taking added precautions against mosquitoes, which can remain active throughout October or until the first hard frost. New Yorkers are encouraged to wear long pants and long sleeves, use insect repellents and take steps to eliminate the number of mosquitoes around your home. Steps to secure your property include using screens in good repair on doors and windows, drain water from pool covers and make sure gutters are properly draining.
For general questions about West Nile Virus prevention call the county Health Department Environmental Health Division at (518)447-4620.
Due to privacy policies, the county is not releasing the name of the infected individual.
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Categories: Schenectady County
