New York City Health Commission announced Saturday, August 12, that a 64 year-old woman and a 63 year-old man, both residents of Staten Island, tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) at the New York City Department of Health’s laboratories. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York State Department of Health will conduct additional confirmatory tests this week. Friday, August 11, the CDC confirmed West Nile virus in the 78 year-old Staten Island man whose illness was announced on August 4.

Dr. Cohen made the announcement at a news conference in the Blue Room at City Hall with Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management Director Richard Sheirer, and Staten Island Borough President Guy V. Molinari.

Mayor Giuliani said, “I want to commend the New York City Department of Health for its extensive surveillance activities, which have enabled us to identify West Nile virus quickly and to take appropriate action as needed. The Health Department’s ongoing vigilance is helping to protect the public health and safety for all residents of New York City.”

The 64 year-old woman who lives in Great Kills, Staten Island, became ill with symptoms of meningitis on August 4, and was admitted to a local hospital on August 6. The 63 year-old man who lives in Willowbrook, Staten Island, became ill with symptoms of meningitis on July 31, and was admitted to a local hospital on August 5. Both individuals were infected before the City implemented its most recent spraying efforts on Staten Island. Both individuals are now at home recovering