West Nile virus probe widens in New York, New Jersey

ALBANY, New York (CNN) -- The potentially deadly West Nile virus has turned up in five more New York counties, adding to fears that the virus is spreading throughout the state, according to the New York State Department of Health.

Birds have recently tested positive for the virus in Albany, Dutchess, Putnam, Warren and Washington Counties, Health Commissioner Antonia Novello said Thursday.

"That news shouldn't result in unnecessary alarm, but it should send a signal that the advice we have given to reduce stagnant water where mosquitoes breed and to protect yourself from being bitten from mosquitoes makes sense for all New Yorkers now more than ever," Novello said.

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Also Thursday, New Jersey health officials turned over six suspected cases of the West Nile virus to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing.

The six New Jersey residents showed at least two of the four main symptoms of West Nile virus -- a fever, an altered mental state, spinal fluid with elevated levels of protein, and muscle weakness -- and live in a county where crows have tested positive for the virus.

According to New Jersey Health Deparment spokesman Dennis McGowan, 15 out of 356 crows tested to date have tested positive for the virus. The infected birds came from four counties -- 10 from Bergen County, 2 from Middlesex, 2 from Union, and 1 from Hudson County.

Novello added that older people, people with compromised immune systems and young children -- the groups most susceptible to the virus -- should avoid being outside during times when mosquitoes are most active and feeding.

Exposure to the West Nile Virus can cause a range of reactions, including mild flu-like symptoms, headache, fever, or severe illness. In the most serious cases, the virus can result in encephalitis or swelling of the brain.

During an outbreak last year, 62 people developed encephalitis and seven died. But, last year's cases were limited to three areas -- New York City, Westchester County and Nassau County.

As of Thursday, the Health Department has confirmed West Nile virus in 119 birds and 38 mosquito pools in the New York city area plus the following counties: Albany, Nassau, Onondaga, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Washington, Warren, Suffolk, Ulster and Westchester.

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Background, West Nile Virus, CDC Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases (DVBID)
New York Department of Health

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