New York reports first human West Nile virus case of 2026

New York City health officials have confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in 2026, detected in a Manhattan resident who spent time outdoors in the city and elsewhere. The virus, transmitted by mosquito bites, is not contagious between people. Source: Excelsior Source: El Caribe

Mosquito activity

More than 1,284 mosquito samples have tested positive across all five boroughs since June, nearly double the count from the same period in 2025. The distribution is: 504 in Queens, 354 in Staten Island, 252 in Brooklyn, 123 in the Bronx, and 51 in Manhattan. Source: El Caribe Source: Hoy The health department has intensified surveillance and conducted eight targeted mosquito-control operations since July, including recent treatments in Queens, Staten Island, and Brooklyn. Source: El Caribe

Risk and prevention

Most infected people show no symptoms, but about 1 in 150 may develop severe neurological disease, including brain or spinal cord inflammation. Those over 60 and with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Source: Excelsior Source: Diario Libre Officials urge residents to use EPA-approved repellents, cover skin at dawn and dusk, and eliminate standing water. Source: Excelsior Source: El Caribe

National context

The CDC reports 222 human cases nationwide this year, mainly in Arizona, Texas, and California. Source: Diario Libre New York has seen an increase in neuroinvasive cases, averaging 31 annually from 2022–2025, up from 16 in 2012–2021. Source: Diario Libre