New York's Insect Hunters Combat Lengthening Mosquito Season and Rising West Nile Virus Threat

The emergence of a warming climate has resulted in an extended mosquito season, leading to a surge in their population and an increased risk of disease transmission such as the West Nile virus. In New York City, a team of expert "insect hunters" is taking proactive measures to safeguard public health by tracking mosquitoes in local parks, where residents seek solace from the summer heat.

Insect Hunters at Work

Vector ecologist Zurina Yusoff employs a bulky pellet sprayer strapped to her back to eradicate mosquito eggs, while her colleague Hamiltan Simean sets up overnight traps for adult mosquitoes. The captured mosquitoes are then sent to the public health lab for testing and classification by species. Dr. Ashwin Bassan, New York City's health commissioner, emphasized the importance of this work, stating, "When we find a positive sample for West Nile or anything else, we can then increase our mitigation and control methods." He further noted that viruses are spreading "further and further north," underscoring the urgency of the insect hunters' efforts.

Proactive Measures

The insect hunting teams commence their operations during the cooler months when mosquitoes hibernate in dark, damp locations. This preliminary survey aids in determining the focus areas for summer mitigation efforts. Other mosquito-borne viruses of concern include dengue fever, which has seen a surge in cases this year, prompting U.S. health officials to issue warnings to doctors. Puerto Rico and several Latin American countries are grappling with an epidemic of dengue, while limited instances of local transmission have also been reported in states such as Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Arizona, and California.

The Impact of West Nile Virus

West Nile virus stands out as the leading cause of mosquito-borne diseases in the continental United States, accounting for a staggering 83% of all domestic cases annually. "It's an awful disease," Carol Wallach reflected on her West Nile infection during the summer of 2022. Wallach experienced severe symptoms including fever, passing out, rash, nerve pain, and mobility issues. Two years later, she still grapples with limited use of her left arm and an inability to drive. Although the majority of West Nile virus infections are asymptomatic, around 1 in 5 infected individuals will experience a range of symptoms, including headaches, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While most affected individuals recover fully, fatigue and weakness can linger for weeks or even months following the initial illness.

Long-Term Effects and Precautions

Wallach‚s experience with West Nile has left her contemplating the potential long-term effects of the virus. She expressed her concern, stating, "It's an awful disease, and I am one of the very fortunate ones, because I'm still here." In the wake of her experience, she has become meticulous about using insect repellent as a precautionary measure, highlighting the importance of safeguarding against mosquito-borne diseases. Dr. Céline Gounder, an experienced internist, epidemiologist, and infectious disease specialist, serves as a medical contributor for CBS News, as well as a senior fellow and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News. Her expertise is invaluable in shedding light on the ongoing challenges posed by mosquito-borne diseases such as the West Nile virus.

The alarming increase in mosquito populations due to climate change and the potential for disease transmission necessitates proactive measures to protect public health. The tireless efforts of the "insect hunters" in tracking and mitigating the risk of mosquito-borne diseases play a crucial role in safeguarding communities. As the threat of diseases like West Nile virus and dengue fever continues to loom, raising awareness about prevention and precautions becomes paramount in the ongoing battle against these health risks.