The Health Department has detected West Nile virus in New York City mosquitoes for the first time this season. The virus, isolated in Port Richmond, Staten Island on June 18, has arrived earlier than usual. No human cases have been detected. Next week, the Health Department will start dispersing aerial larvicide in non-residential areas of Staten Island, Bronx and Queens to reduce mosquito populations (details below). Surveillance and control efforts will continue through the summer.

Some people experience only mild flu-like symptoms after contracting West Nile virus, but the infection can cause also encephalitis, a potentially fatal inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. “People over 50 are the most vulnerable,” said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, New York City Health Commissioner. “Fortunately, anyone can avoid infection. The best way to reduce your risk is to wear repellent if you go outdoors in the evening, when mosquitoes are most active.”

The Health Department has stopped investigating reports of dead birds – testing mosquitoes for West Nile virus has proven to be a more effective monitoring strategy. As in past years, the agency is urging residents to take simple steps to protect themselves.

Reducing Exposure to Mosquitoes

*Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.

*Make sure windows have screens, and repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
Eliminate any standing water from your property, and dispose of containers that can collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.

*Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.

*Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.

*Report standing water by calling 311.

*If you think you have symptoms of West Nile virus, see your doctor right away. The most common are headache, fever and extreme fatigue.

Mosquito Control Notice:

Health Department Will Treat Natural Areas in Staten Island, Queens and the Bronx with Mosquito Larvicide from June 23 through June 25, 2008

To control the number of mosquitoes, the Health Department will apply larvicide by helicopter to marshes and other non-residential areas of Staten Island, Queens and the Bronx. Weather permitting, larvicide will be applied from Monday, June 23, through Wednesday, June 25, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Larvicide is a natural product, not an insecticide.

In case of bad weather, alternative application dates will be Tuesday, June 24, to Thursday, June 26, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Mosquito Control Definitions

Aerial Larviciding – Dropping natural bacterial granules by helicopter to marshes and other large natural areas to kill mosquito larvae before they grow into adult mosquitoes. Does not take place in the residential areas of NYC

Adulticiding/Spraying – Spraying a liquid insecticide from trucks to kill adult mosquitoes. Can take place in residential or non-residential areas. No adulticidings are scheduled at this time.

(Dov Gordon – YWN)