Nation IN BRIEF: NEW YORK : Encephalitis Cited as Cause in 2nd Death

New York City officials have confirmed that a second elderly Queens resident has died from an outbreak of St. Louis encephalitis, a virus transmitted by mosquitoes. Officials had suspected that the infection caused the 87-year-old woman’s death last week but did not know for sure until Saturday, said Sandra Mullin, spokeswoman for the city Department of Health. An 80-year-old man died last week from the virus, officials said. Five others believed to be infected were receiving medical attention. The viral infection is transmitted into the victim’s blood stream by a mosquito bite. The ailment can be fatal to those with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly, authorities said.