An 86-year-old Bronx woman is the first person in New

York State to test positive for West Nile virus this summer, health officials

said yesterday.

The woman, from the Pelham Gardens section, became ill on Aug. 11 and was

hospitalized that same day with fever, headache, muscle weakness, rash, stiff

neck and dizziness.

She was diagnosed with encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, and

continues to be hospitalized in intensive care.

Health officials declined to release her name or the hospital where she is

being treated.

"This is the first human case of West Nile virus in New York City this

year," said Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden. "It serves as an important

reminder for all New Yorkers to protect themselves against mosquitoes."

Residents are urged to remove or empty standing water from old tires,

garbage cans, pails or any object that can hold water, and to wear long

sleeves, pants, socks and mosquito repellent when outdoors in the late

afternoon and from dusk to dawn.

In spite of the blackout, city health officials conducted their regular

schedule of mosquito surveillance and continued testing using generator-based

power and were able to report the first human West Nile case yesterday instead

of later in the week.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so far

this year there have been 470 human cases of West Nile virus nationwide and 10

deaths. Last year, more than 4,100 people were affected and 284 died.

In 1999, when West Nile virus first appeared in the United States, in New

York, there were 45 human cases, with four deaths, in New York City.

A winemaker. A jockey. An astronaut. We’re celebrating Women’s History month with a look at these and more female changemakers and trailblazers with ties to long Island. 

Celebrating Women's History Month at Newsday A winemaker. A jockey. An astronaut. We're celebrating Women's History month with a look at these and more female changemakers and trailblazers with ties to long Island. 

A winemaker. A jockey. An astronaut. We’re celebrating Women’s History month with a look at these and more female changemakers and trailblazers with ties to long Island. 

Celebrating Women's History Month at Newsday A winemaker. A jockey. An astronaut. We're celebrating Women's History month with a look at these and more female changemakers and trailblazers with ties to long Island. 

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