Trucks have sprayed insecticides in the New York City area to kill mosquitoes after infected birds were found there. After infected mosquitoes were discovered in Manhattan and Staten Island, a free concert in Central Park July 24 was postponed one day to allow the park to be sprayed. More than 200 New Yorkers have been tested this year for the virus, but state officials said all results were negative. Most humans who become infected with the virus develop mild, flu-like infections. But in severe cases, victims will develop the brain inflammation encephalitis, with symptoms of headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.
Death is possible but rare, officials say.
The elderly, the very young and those with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable to the virus. There is no specific treatment for people who contract the virus. In the most severe cases, patients need to be hospitalized in case they require a ventilator, antibiotics or intravenous fluids. The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved.