Virginia Beach public works officials announced an increase in mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus in several neighborhoods over the last three weeks. The positive samples were collected from Aragona, Kempsville, College Park, Brigadoon Forest, Thalia, Plaza, Pembroke, Bay Colony, Green Run and Wesleyan Pines.
Mosquito control teams have increased treatment activities. Daytime crews are focusing on standing water, while nighttime crews are treating areas as weather permits. No human cases have been reported in Virginia Beach so far.
West Nile virus spreads through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Most infected people show no symptoms, but some experience mild flu-like symptoms and a small portion develop severe neurological disorders. People over 50, those with chronic conditions, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
Meanwhile, New York reported its first human cases of the season. Suffolk County identified a Brookhaven resident over 50 who began experiencing symptoms in late July and was not hospitalized. New York City also announced its first human case, with officials saying the person spent time outdoors in the city and elsewhere.
City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said West Nile virus cannot spread from person to person and is preventable. He urged New Yorkers to take extra precautions against mosquito bites.
The cases coincide with widespread virus detection in mosquitoes. New York City has identified more than 1,000 positive mosquito pools across all five boroughs. Westchester County reported its first positive batches in Rye, and state officials confirmed positive pools in Nassau, Rockland and Suffolk counties by mid-July.
Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott noted that mosquitoes are not merely a nuisance but can transmit serious diseases. Health officials recommend using repellent, covering skin outdoors, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.
