Press Release
	New York City Department of Health Office of Public Affairs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Sandra Mullin/Erich Giebelhaus Friday, August 18, 2000 (212) 788-5290

New York City Health Commissioner Neal L. Cohen, M.D., announced today that three mosquito pools from Staten Island, one bluejay from Dongan Hills, Staten Island, 1 bluejay from Douglaston, Queens and 1 bluejay from Alley Pond, Queens have tested positive for West Nile virus. All of these areas were sprayed subsequent to these findings. Additionally, 1 American Kestril from Neponsit, Queens, and 1 American Kestril from Woodside, Queens have also tested positive for West Nile virus. These findings were reported to the City Health Department today by the New York State Department of Health. As a result of this information, the City will apply pesticides to reduce the number of potentially infected mosquitoes in the two areas of Queens not previously sprayed. Click here to read spray zones.

Dr. Cohen said, "With new evidence of West Nile virus activity in areas of Queens not previously treated, we will expand our ground spraying activities announced yesterday into two new areas of Queens. These activities are prompted by our surveillance systems which have enabled us to take all necessary actions to reduce the potential for additional human illnesses from West Nile virus. I continue to urge all New Yorkers to assist the City's efforts by reducing areas of standing water where mosquitoes breed. It is also critical for everyone in New York City, especially older New Yorkers, to take personal protection measures against mosquitoes.

"We are currently conferring with the National Park Service regarding the mosquito control measures that need to be taken in the environmentally sensitive areas of the Gateway National Park Recreation Center that are located in the two mile radius of this finding," Dr. Cohen concluded.

SUMMARY OF WEST NILE VIRUS FINDINGS IN NYC
Three individuals from Staten Island -- a 78 year old male, 64 year-old female and a 63 year-old male -- were hospitalized because of illnesses related to West Nile virus (WNV) infection but are now at home recovering. The total number of WNV-infected birds identified in New York City to date includes: 49 (29 in Staten Island, 5 in Manhattan, 8 in Queens, 1 in the Bronx, and 6 in Brooklyn). In addition, WNV has been confirmed in 54 pools of mosquitoes (46 in Staten Island, 6 in Manhattan, 1 in the Bronx and 1 in Queens).

While the Culex pipiens species has still been found to be the main carrier of West Nile virus, the City has now identified West Nile virus in two other species of mosquitoes: Culex salinarius, and Aedes triseriatus. These mosquitoes are mainly active between dusk and dawn and the precautions recommended are the same as those required against Culex pipiens.

SPRAYING PRECAUTIONS
Anvil (Sumithrin) will be used for these efforts. This pyrethroid-based pesticide is relatively nontoxic to humans and other mammals, and health risks associated with the use of pyrethroids in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) guidelines are negligible. The NYCDOH recommends that all individuals take precautions to avoid direct exposure to pesticides:

• Whenever possible, people and pets should stay indoors during spraying with windows closed and air conditioners turned off.
• If you have to remain outdoors, avoid contact with the spray. If you get pesticide spray directly in your eyes, immediately rinse them with water or eye drops. Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water.
• Some individuals are sensitive to pesticides. Persons with asthma or other respiratory conditions are especially encouraged to stay inside during spraying since there is a possibility that spraying could worsen those conditions.
• Anyone experiencing adverse reactions to pesticides should call their doctor or the NYC Poison Control Center at (212) POISONS or (212) 764-7667.

Personal Protection Measures
Dr. Cohen reminded all New Yorkers, especially older New Yorkers, to continue throughout the mosquito season to help mosquito-proof New York City by eliminating areas of standing water around their homes:

• Make sure roof gutters drain properly.
• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers.
• Remove all discarded tires from property.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. If not in use, keep empty and covered.
• Drain water from pool covers.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Eliminate any standing water that collects on property.
• Change water in bird baths once a week.
• Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.
• Report standing water to the Health Department through the West Nile virus information line (1-877-WNV-4NYC) or the City's Web site (nyc.gov/health).

In addition, Dr. Cohen advised New Yorkers to take precautions against mosquitoes, including:

• If outside during evening, nighttime, and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, children and adults should wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks.
• Consider the use of an insect repellant containing no more than 30% DEET for adults and 10% or less DEET for children. USE DEET ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER'S DIRECTIONS.
• Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

Spraying schedules are announced each day on WCBS Radio (880 AM) at 6:56 am and 6:56 pm, and at other times throughout the day. Several radio stations in New York City are also running public service announcements. New Yorkers can also find out about spraying plans through the media, by calling the West Nile Virus information line at 1-877-WNV-4NYC, by checking the New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH) Web site at nyc.gov/health, and by calling community boards and elected officials.

For information on West Nile virus, spraying activities, or to report dead birds and areas of standing water where mosquitoes breed, New Yorkers can call the NYCDOH's West Nile virus information line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-877-WNV-4NYC (1-877-968-4692). (New Yorkers who use TTY/TDD can call 212-788-4947 weekdays from 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.). Extensive information is also included on the City's Web site at nyc.gov/health.

Reminder: Ground-Based Spraying in Prospect Park and Greenwood Cemetery to Take Place Overnight Tonight, August 18, from 11:30 p.m. - 5:00 a.m., Weather Permitting.

Reminder: Ground-Based Spraying in Two Mile Radius of Greenwood Cemetery to Take Place Overnight Saturday, August 19, from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Weather Permitting.

Reminder: Ground-Based Spraying in Central Park, Manhattan Scheduled For Saturday, August 19, 1:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m. and again Tuesday Morning, August 22, from 1:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m., Weather Permitting.

Reminder: Ground-Based Spraying in Manhattan from 23rd Street to 155th Street, from the East River to the Hudson River, and Roosevelt Island, Scheduled For Saturday, August 19, 11:30 p.m. - 5:00 a.m., Weather Permitting.

Reminder: Ground-Based Spraying in Two Mile Radius of Hunts Point, Bronx, and Rikers Island, Scheduled For Sunday, August 20, 10:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m., Weather Permitting.

Reminder: Ground-Based Spraying of Two Mile Radius of Whitestone, Queens Scheduled For Sunday, August 20, 10:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m., Weather Permitting

Click here to read the Spray Zone Boundaries.
Click here to view the Woodside, Queens spray zone map and Neponsit, Queens spray zone map.

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