Epidemiology of West Nile Virus in New York City: Trends and Transmission Dynamics (2000–2019)

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202502.1659.v1
• Publication Date: 2025-02-24T02:48:42Z
• Authors: Waheed Ibrahim Bajwa; Liyang Zhou
• Keywords: West Nile virus

The 1999 West Nile Virus (WNV) outbreak in NYC marked the first introduction of virus into Western Hemisphere. This study examines two decades (2000-2019) surveillance data, analyzing human cases (381 cases, 35 fatalities) and mosquito pools (6,632 positive pools). Findings highlight dominant role Culex species, particularly Cx. salinarius, transmission, with 69% occurring near infected pools. Spatial analyses reveal transmission hotspots, emphasizing importance species-specific control. These insights contribute to refining urban vector management public health strategies against WNV outbreaks.