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UPDATE, 2 p.m.: The condition of the Mamaroneck man, 73, diagnosed with West Nile virus is improving, according to an update Mayor Norman Rosenblum received from the family. The man cannot speak but is conscious and has been able to acknowledge his family in the room while recovering in a hospital in Canada. The family expects him to be transported to White Plains Hospital in about a week. The man's family told Rosenblum he has a form of leukemia, which makes him more susceptible to the virus.
Original story: WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. A 73-year-old Mamaroneck man has been diagnosed with West Nile virus and hospitalized since Sept. 18, the Westchester County Department of Health announced Thursday.
This is the second reported human case of West Nile Virus in Mamaroneck and the third in Westchester County this year. The other case was in New Rochelle. The latest victim, who has an unspecified "significant underlying medical condition," is in serious condition, according to the news release.
The cause was believed to be from his Melbourne Avenue home in the Village of Mamaroneck, according to an email from Mayor Norman Rosenblum. However, no signs of mosquito-breeding activity were found when the Department of Health conducted a local environmental assessment of the area around the mans home Thursday.
Despite a surge in West Nile virus activity nationwide, so far mosquito activity in Westchester is on par with last year, said Sherlita Amler, commissioner of health. The county health department larvicided more than 40,000 street catch basins this year to prevent mosquitoes from developing and we continue to monitor mosquito activity. It is also important to walk around your property after it rains and remove standing water and to use appropriate insect repellents when you spend time outdoors.
Compared with the 32 positive mosquito batches found in Westchester last year, the Department of Health has identified 27 this year. Three human cases of West Nile virus were reported last year, with no deaths.
West Nile virus infection most often causes a mild or moderate flu-like illness but can be more serious and potentially fatal in people 50 and older and those with other health complications.
A 28-year-old New Rochelle man and a 71-year-old Mamaroneck woman were diagnosed with West Nile virus in the past month and have both recovered.
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