In Staten Island, did people who had antibodies to West Nile virus report any illness?
A. Surveyed individuals whose blood tested positive for antibodies to WNV (indicating a previous infection) in Staten Island were more likely to report recent illness characterized by fever and headache. In Queens in 1999, persons were also more likely to report joint pains and muscle aches. Q. Are people who tested positive still at risk from West Nile virus? A. No. The infection (and any associated illness) is short-lived. A person with antibodies to West Nile virus is likely to have life-long immunity to a repeat infection of this virus. Q. How was the serosurvey in NYC conducted? A. Local officials and community leaders helped inform neighborhood residents about the survey. Residents of selected blocks were pre-notified that they might be visited over the next several days. Mobile health vans were stationed throughout the community and served as alternate sites for interviewing and blood drawing, as well as sources of information for interested residents. Information pamphlets were
