Cases of West Nile virus infection were confirmed last year in New York City, Westchester County and Nassau County. Health officials said there have been no known cases of illness caused by the virus this year. The two crows from Rockland County are the only birds that have tested positive of more than 125 examined since January. A hawk that died in February was confirmed positive at a Connecticut lab. Crows are particularly susceptible to the virus, and are considered an important early warning sign that the virus is in an area.
Mosquitoes are the source of the virus, infecting birds and people.
Starting this week, the state laboratory began testing mosquito pools from counties in or near the areas affected by the virus last year. The pools will be tested weekly during the transmission season. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines .