N.Y. Woman Ill From West Nile Virus

A New York City woman was listed in critical condition Friday from complications stemming from the West Nile virus, officials said.

The 87-year-old unidentified Brooklyn woman was diagnosed with the virus Aug. 15 after she was hospitalized for an unrelated ailment. In addition, an 84-year-old woman from Staten Island was listed in serious condition Friday, according to the city Health Department.

The city continued its war against mosquitoes that transmit virus, planning to spray areas of the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island.

Five city residents have been diagnosed with West Nile virus this year, Health Commissioner Dr. Neil L. Cohen said. All are 63 or older, he said.

The virus killed seven people and sickened more than 60 in the New York City area last year.

Severe infections of West Nile virus can result in encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, or meningitis, an inflammation of the brain's lining and the spinal cord.