FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   FOR MORE INFORMATION

September 8, 1999                                                    Contact Mary Landrigan

NYC Reports Cases of Encephalitis                         (914) 637-4715 

The Westchester County Department of Health today notified residents of three confirmed cases of an unusual mosquito-borne disease, St. Louis Encephalitis, in elderly New York City residents of Queens. One resident has died. An additional 24 possible cases and another possible death, primarily from the Whitestons/Flushing/Auburndale area of Queens, are being investigated.

"Although there are no known cases in Westchester, it would be prudent for Westchester residents to take precautions against mosquito bites while this outbreak is being investigated," stated Dr. Harold N. Adel, Westchester County Commissioner of Health. "St. Louis Encephalitis(SLE) can be a serious and even fatal disease, so extra precautions to avoid the possibility of contracting it are recommended. I encourage Westchester residents, especially older adults and young children, to take precautions against exposure to mosquitoes," stated Dr. Adel

The Westchester County Department of Health has notified hospitals to be on the alert for cases. So far, none have been reported.

SLE is transmitted when an infected mosquito bites humans. In most people, only mild symptoms such as fever and headache, occur. However, in some people, especially in the elderly or infants, SLE can be a serious disease that affects the nervous system. At its most serious, the disease can cause permanent damage to the nervous system and can be fatal. 

Symptoms generally occur five to 15 days following the bite of an infected mosquito. They can include rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, muscle aches, stiff neck, disorientation, convulsions, muscle weakness, and possibly even death.

Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to minimize the risk of contracting SLE. The Health Department recommends that the following precautions be used to reduce the risk of exposure to mosquitoes:

Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when outdoors and use mosquito repellant on exposed skin.

Use insect repellants with no more than 30% DEET, but use sparingly and with care. Products containing 15% or less DEET are recommended for children, but products containing DEET should not be used on infants. Carefully read and follow directions on the container and wash treated skin with mosquito exposure has ended.

Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity from dusk until dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

Remove water from cans and jars, discarded tires, clogged roof gutters, yard decorations or any outdoor containers since mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water.

Ensure that your home has tight-fitting screens over windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from entering apartments and homes.

For more information, contact the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000.