Press Release
	New York City Department of Health Office of Public Affairs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Sandra Mullin/Andrew Tucker Thursday, July 19, 2001 (212) 788-5290

New York City Health Commissioner Neal L. Cohen, M.D., today announced that the New York State Department of Health has confirmed evidence of West Nile virus (WNV) in a live bird (a sparrow), and in a mosquito pool collected in Bellerose, Queens, and in a dead bird (a blue jay), collected in Todt Hill, Staten Island. While there has been WNV activity along the east coast of the United States this season, these are the first WNV findings in New York City in 2001.

Dr. Cohen said, "These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive efforts to identify West Nile virus as early as possible. In response to these findings, the City is intensifying its WNV prevention activities in these areas. To assist the City's prevention effort, all New Yorkers are urged to eliminate areas of standing water around their homes and to report dead birds and standing water to the Health Department. Additionally, with the peak of the mosquito season underway, New Yorkers are urged to take precautions against mosquitoes."

Prior to the detection of the virus in the Bellerose section of Queens, the Health Department has been monitoring and augmenting its prevention efforts in that area for the past few weeks because of an increase in the number of dead birds reported from residents. The dead bird cluster was identified by the Health Department's new geographic scanning system, which enabled early detection of possible West Nile virus activity and triggered the Health Department's Rapid Response system. This system includes stepped-up testing of birds and mosquitoes, as well as intensified larval surveillance and larviciding activities, particularly in parks and green areas, and increased community education. A Rapid Response approach will also be initiated in the Todt Hill area of Staten Island.

To detect West Nile virus in New York City, the Department of Health (NYCDOH) has implemented a number of surveillance programs, including placing mosquito traps throughout the City; picking up and testing dead birds reported to the Health Department by City residents; and working closely with the medical community to identify potential human cases. The Queens' bird was collected as part of a separate effort by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to trap and test live birds for WNV in our area. To date, approximately 170 dead birds and more than 700 mosquito pools collected citywide have been submitted for testing. In addition, the NYCDOH continues to conduct extensive larviciding activities in catch basins and other areas of standing water Citywide to reduce mosquito breeding.

Dr. Cohen advised New Yorkers, particularly those 65 and older, to take personal precautions against mosquitoes:

• If outside from dusk to dawn - when mosquitoes are most active - or during the day in an area where there are weeds, tall grass, or bushes:
• Wear protective clothing, such as long pants; loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts; and socks.
• Consider the use of an insect repellent containing DEET (use DEET according to manufacturer's directions on the label).
• Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens that have tears or holes.

Dr. Cohen also offered the following suggestions to help eliminate standing water:

• Remove all discarded tires from your property.
• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor sauna, and hot tubs. If not in use, keep empty and covered.
• Drain water from pool covers.
• Change the water in bird baths every 3 to 4 days.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• 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 at 1-877-WNV-4NYC (1-877-968-4692) or the City's Web site ( nyc.gov/health)

The NYCDOH's ongoing West Nile virus public education campaign, "Mosquito-Proof New York City" features a television spot, brochures, and posters prominently displayed throughout the City on buses, subways, and sanitation trucks. In addition, fact sheets on West Nile virus have been translated into 17 languages and have been distributed to a wide range of community organizations, elected officials, schools, and other key community groups throughout the City.

For more information on West Nile virus, or to report dead birds and areas of standing water, New Yorkers may call the DOH's West Nile Virus Information Line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-877-WNV-4NYC (1-877-968-4692) (live operators are available during normal business hours), or visit the Health Department's Web site at nyc.gov/health.

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