The CDC says this year is the worst year for West Nile on record in the United States.
And with 1,590 confirmed cases in humans across the country, and 66 deaths so far this year, some health experts say it's time to get serious about prevention, and recognizing the symptoms of the virus.
Dr. David Liebers is has been an Infectious Disease Specialist for Ellis Hospital for 25 years.
Dr. Liebers said, "It would be safe to assume, I think and we're making that assumption, that folks here in Schenectady and the Capital Region at large may be at risk for West Nile, that we do have mosquitoes carrying that virus."
And to drive that point home, on Wednesday the CDC reported that the number of confirmed West NileVirus cases in the United States were up by 40 percent, in just the last week.
That's why the public health officials are urging Americans to protect themselves.
At The Crossings Park in Colonie we met some people who already take steps to limit their mosquito exposure.
Robyn Ashley of Colonie said, "If I'm in the back yard I have tiki torches, I've got like six or seven of 'em, and we've got the bug zapper going on. We live right near the woods, so you can't be too careful."
But, we met other people who don't worry as much.
Ronald Lee of Loudonville said, "I just keep moving. I really don't do anything, like any bug spray whatever."
But Dr. Liebers says, although they are rare, serious cases of West Nile can be deadly, so he recommends taking the proper precautions now.
Dr. Liebers said, "Actually, most cases of West Nile are asymptomatic. We believe only about one in five people who are bitten by a West Nile laden mosquito, and who are actually infected, exhibit symptoms."
The physician says those patients with mild cases of the virus usually just experience a fever nicknamed 'West Nile Fever.'
But, he says, a very small percentage of those infected with West Nile will develop serious neurological problems.
Dr. Liebers tells us what to look for, "People will feel sick. They'll come in often with fever, headache, sometimes a stiff neck, sometimes there will be some eye pain. The serious cases are when there's actually an alteration of consciousness or mental status, sometimes weakness and even paralysis in some very rare cases."
While out for her evening walk at The Crossings in Colonie, Ilene Stein of Loudonville said, "Sometimes, when I'm hiking in the woods I'll use spray, or sometimes even in my own backyard, but not tonight, no humidity, so I don't even think about it."
But after hearing about the uptick in the number of West Nile cases across the United States, Stein agreed she may think harder about protecting herself against mosquitoes when she ventures outside.
"Maybe I will. Maybe I will be more conscious about the problem now," she said.
But, the doctor did deliver some good news? Liebers says you can't get West Nile from another infected person.
"West Nile is not transmissible person to person. The only way we acquire it is through a mosquito bite," Dr. Liebers said.
The Ellis Hospital Infectious Disease Specialist did warn, however that West Nile is the most fatal for the elderly population.
So, he suggests limiting your exposure to mosquitoes by using bug repellant with Deet, closing your doors and screens, and eliminating standing pools of water.
And if you or someone you know is exhibiting any symptoms, Dr. Liebers says you should see a doctor right away.
