New York City reports 1st human case of West Nile Virus in 2026

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- New York City reported its first human case of the West Nile Virus this year.

The city's health department says the person who lives in the city got the virus after spending time outside in several locations outside of the city.

The department says it's found more than 1,000 mosquitoes with the virus in the city since June, and has treated the areas where those mosquitoes were found.

Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are present in the city every year from June through October, with peak activity typically during August and September.

Officials are reminding residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.



"The steps to protect yourself are simple: wear insect repellent, cover up during dawn and dusk, and get rid of standing water around your home," said New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. "All New Yorkers should take these precautions seriously, especially older New Yorkers and those with a weakened immune system."

Nationally, there have been 222 human cases of West Nile virus so far this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control, primarily in Arizona, Texas, and California.

Tips on how to avoid mosquito bites:

Know your risk for severe illness from West Nile virus

The risk of severe illness increases with age. For example, people 65 years and older are three times as likely to develop neurologic illness as people younger than 65 years.

People with certain chronic medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), or kidney disease are at higher risk of severe illness.

People with a weakened immune system, including those who take medications that weaken the immune system, are at higher risk of severe illness. For example, rituximab, ocrelizumab, or similar medications, used to treat cancers, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory conditions or prevent rejection of transplanted organs, weaken the immune system.

Reduce your risk of bites

Limit outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, when the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus are generally most active.

Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and offer it to older neighbors and relatives. Follow the product label. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children younger than age 3.

Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes when spending time outdoors in areas with mosquito activity.

Keep mosquitoes out

Install and repair window and door screens.

Prevent mosquito breeding

Empty standing water at least once each week from buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths, children's toys, tarps, plant saucers, clogged gutters, and other containers.

Maintain swimming pools, hot tubs, and ornamental ponds by keeping them clean, chlorinated, covered, or properly drained when not in use.

You can report chronic standing water in private or public locations online or by calling 311. You can report water in the street caused by a street defect or a clogged catch basin online or by calling 311.



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