The primary mosquito-borne virus of concern in New York City is West Nile virus (WNV).
While other mosquito-borne diseases exist, West Nile virus is the most prevalent and consistently detected in New York City. The New York State Department of Health has reported human cases and deaths related to WNV since its initial detection in 1999.
Here's a breakdown of key information:
- West Nile Virus (WNV): This is the most common mosquito-borne virus in NYC. It was first detected in New York State in 1999.
- Symptoms: Most people infected with WNV do not develop any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they usually appear 3-15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can range from mild (fever, headache) to severe (encephalitis, meningitis).
- Other Potential Viruses: While WNV is the main concern, other mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), are monitored, although they are less common in New York City specifically.
Therefore, when referring to the "mosquito virus" in New York City, West Nile virus is generally the virus of greatest concern.
