Case of West Nile Virus confirmed in Niagara County
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in Niagara County, the Niagara County Department of Health said Thursday.
It is the first case of the mosquito-borne virus in Niagara County this year. The infected resident is currently hospitalized and is receiving care.
Most infected with the virus show little to no symptoms. Those who do show symptoms can suffer mild symptoms including fever, headaches, body aches and skin rash, but more severe symptoms can include high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness and paralysis. Those over 50 are at the highest risk for more severe illness.
West Nile virus is commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. There have been over 200 cases in the United States this year, over 10 of them in New York. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top doctor, was hospitalized with the virus in August.
For more information and tips to stay safe, click here.
Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.