Health Department Forms Folder 0065, 1999-2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

HEALTH SUPPORT SVC. Fax:212-788-9232 • ••.. ti v,s Sep 1 '00 10:44 P. 08 ~^- L L.11I2_,t IL

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NLAI. L. COVEN. M.J). SANDRA MIJLLIN C OTUnisyiOf€r A.1'xr, .b,jr COrnmussion/:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Sandra Mullin/John Gadd Friday, September I, 2000 (21:) 7811-5290

STATEN ISLAND MAN TESTS POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS He has been Releasedfrom the Hospital and is at home Recovering

At a news conference today at City Hall with Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, New York City Health Commissioner Neal L. Cohen, M.D., announced that a 6] year-old Staten Island man has tested positive for West Nile virus. The individual, who lives in Woodrow, Staten Island, became ill on August 4 with muscle weakness and encephalitis. He was admitted to a local hospital on August O, and was released on August 11, Test results confirming this case of West Nile virus were received yesterday from the New York State Department of Health.

"We now have seven cases of West Nile virus in New York City. Not surprisingly, sic of these illnesses occurred on Staten Island, where our surveillance systems have documented considerable viral transmission. All cases have been among older adults, with more leriou,a illness among those in their 70s and 80s. Since the past few weeks have been the peak time of the mosquito season, it would not be unexpected if we were to learn of additional human cases. I owever, without the City's comprehensive control efforts, we would undoubtedly have seen many more human cases this summer. This is why reducing the mosquito population on Staten Island has been a priority and why we continue to strongly urge New Yorkers, especi;dly older adults, to take personal precautions against mosquitoes." Dr. Cohen said.

PERSONAL PROTECTION MEASURES Dr. Cohen advised New Yorkers to take precautions against mosquitoes, including:

If outside during evening, nighttime, and dawn hours when mosquitoes are m ost active and likely to bite, children and adults should wear protective clothing; such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks. Consider the use of an insect repellant containing 10% or less DEET for children and no more than 30% DEET for adults. USE DEET ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER'S DIRECTIONS. Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

(Jr. Cohen also reminded New Yorkers to continue throughout the mosquito season to eliminate areas of standing water around their homes.

NYC-WTC 000138046