A Staten Island man has died of the West Nile virus in the first fatal case in New York City this year, health officials said.

The New York City Health Department confirmed Thursday that the 65-year-old man from New Dorp had contracted the virus in mid August. He was admitted to the hospital on August 17, suffering from a fever and generalized muscle aches, the Staten Island Advance reported. He died a short time later.

Meanwhile, two other fatalities from West Nile were also confimed on Long Island, as reported HERE on YWN.

The health department advices residents to:
Empty standing water from old tires, garbage cans, or any object that can hold water.
Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
Keep swimming pools chlorinated and their covers free of stagnant water.
Change the water in birdbaths every two or three days.
Keep window and door screens in good repair.
Consider wearing long sleeves, pants, socks and mosquito repellent (according to directions) where mosquitoes are active, especially in the late afternoon and at dawn and dusk.
Wear long sleeves and pants when outside, especially at dawn and dusk.

To report a mosquito problem, call the Department of Public Works Mosquito Control at 572-1166 weekdays from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Residents can hear the latest information about West Nile virus 24 hours a day by calling (516) 227-9700. In addition, West Nile information may be found on the Health Department Web site.

(Source: WNBC)