Washington, DC - Congressman Ed Towns (D-Brooklyn) is urging all New Yorkers, especially seniors, to take precautions against mosquitos to prevent the transmission of West Nile Virus.  This week, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) announced that an 86-year-old woman from the Bronx tested positive for West Nile Virus.  She was hospitalized on August 11 with a fever, headache, muscle weakness, rash, stiff neck, and altered mental status.  She is currently in intensive care with inflamation of the brain inflation.  

"While we pray for the recovery of this elderly woman, we should all remember that West Nile Virus can cause serious medical problems, especially for seniors." said Towns.  "Last year, three people died from this disease in the City.  Hopefully, by getting New Yorkers to take simple precautions, we can prevent anyone from losing their life this year."

The Bronx woman is the first diagnosed human case of West Nile virus in New York City this year.  Health officials are conducting their regularly scheduled activiites to monitor and control mosquitos.  Additionally, larvicide was applied throughout the City, including parks in Pelham Bay and Van Cortlandt parks in the Bronx. 

Health officials say basic measures such as using an insect repellant containing DEET and wearing long pants and long-sleeve clothing when outdoors between dusk and dawn can protect people from getting sick.  They also recommend making sure doors and windows have tightfitting screens and repairing or replacing screens that have tears or holes.

Recommendations to Reduce Exposure To Mosquitoes Around Your Home
---  Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.
---  Dispose of containers that can collect standing water 
---  Make sure roof gutters drain properly.
---  Change water in birdbaths every 3 to 4 days.
---  Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.                                          

--- Remove discarded tires on your property.
--- Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties. 

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