Was there an outbreak of West Nile virus in the New York City area in 1999?
Yes, an outbreak of West Nile virus occurred in the New York City metropolitan area in the late summer of 1999. Over 60 persons, including 46 residents of New York City, were infected with this virus. Seven persons, including four New York City residents, died of West Nile virus infection during the 1999 outbreak. West Nile virus was identified in mosquitoes and birds in New York City, Long Island, the lower Hudson Valley, Connecticut and New Jersey. Last year, the West Nile virus also caused illness among other animals, including horses in eastern Long Island and a cat in New Jersey. This outbreak is the first time that West Nile virus has been found in the Western hemisphere. What will the Rye do this year to prevent West Nile virus from returning? The City of Rye and the Westchester Department of Health, along with other City, State and federal agencies, have developed a comprehensive plan to reduce the risk of West Nile virus returning in 2000 called Operation STING. The main goal
