For the first time, antibodies of the West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne disease that affects the central nervous system, have been detected in the Dominican Republic. Although no actual cases have been reported in animals or humans, the Ministry of Public Health (SESPAS) revealed that the antibodies have been found in birds at the Parque Nacional Los Haitises area. Although it was stressed that there is no cause for panic, the ministry spokesman advised the public to take preventive measures and be on alert for symptoms that include fever, headache and muscular pains. The West Nile virus killed 266 people in the United States last year. Elderly people and those with weak immune systems are most vulnerable.