Health Dept. Alert Issued As Mosquito Season Intensifies

With mosquito season in full swing, New York City Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Thomas Frieden, MD, MPH yesterday encouraged New Yorkers to take simple precautions against mosquitoes, which can carry West Nile virus (WNV). Although WNV has not yet been detected in New York City this season, activity in mosquitoes and birds has been found in 32 states across the country, as well as in Canada and Mexico. For more information on WNV nationally, visit www.cdc.gov.

Dr. Frieden said, "Over the past few weeks, mosquito activity has increased dramatically. The wet spring and hot start of summer has jump-started mosquito breeding activity. New Yorkers, especially those most vulnerable to the serious effects of WNV - those over age 50 - should take precautions now against mosquitoes. Disease caused by WNV is preventable and no one should have to get sick if precautionary measures are taken."

Dr. Frieden emphasized that people over the age of 50, particularly those over 65, are most susceptible to serious, life-threatening illnesses from WNV, including encephalitis and meningitis. They are warned to be even more vigilant about taking personal precautions against mosquitoes.

To prevent the spread of West Nile virus, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) monitors birds, mammals, mosquitoes, and people for the presence of WNV and performs larval control (larviciding). DOHMH will apply pesticides (adulticides) to control mosquitoes if human health is threatened. DOHMH issues violations to owners of properties with areas of standing water that are potentially harmful to public health.

Dr. Frieden advised taking the following precautions against mosquitoes:

•If outside during the hours between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks.

•Consider the use of an insect repellent containing DEET. Use DEET according to manufacturer’s directions.

•Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

•Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.

•Dispose of containers that can collect standing water (e.g., empty garbage containers and lids, buckets, cans, flower pots, and other items where water collects).

•Make sure roof gutters drain properly.

•Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs or, if not in use, keep them empty and/or covered.

•Drain water that collects in pool covers.

•Change water in bird baths every 3 to 4 days.

•Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.

•Remove discarded tires on your property.

•Sweep away puddles that collect on your property (e.g., on steps, driveways).

•Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.

To report dead birds online, visit: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wnv/wnvbird.html.

To report standing water online, visit: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wnv/wnvwater.html.

For more information about West Nile virus, call 3-1-1 or visit nyc.gov/health/wnv.