ARCHIVES OF THE MAYOR'S WEEKLY COLUMN Archives of Rudolph W. Giuliani

Protecting New Yorkers from the West Nile Virus

Late last month, the City began ground-based pesticide spraying of areas where mosquitoes were found to be infected with the West Nile virus. This was not a surprising finding, since we knew that birds were getting the virus from mosquitoes. But we're pleased at this point that we haven't seen a human case, and we have no evidence to believe at this time that the virus is more prevalent or has greater traction in New York City now than it had last year.

Protecting the public health is our number-one priority, and we are continuing our exhaustive efforts to identify any signs of West Nile virus in New York City as early as possible. To quickly detect the presence of the virus, the Department of Health conducts a number of surveillance programs, including placing more than 150 mosquito traps throughout the city at 90 different sites.

All indications are that our early warning system is working. The general rule that we follow is that if we find a bird or mosquito that's infected, we spray within a two-mile radius after giving residents 48 hours notice. If we find no further signs of the virus, we won't spray again.

The reality is that the disease is dangerous, especially to senior citizens, and the Centers for Disease Control recommends that we spray areas where the virus has been detected. The City is using Anvil, a pesticide effective for controlling mosquitoes, which is registered for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

The spraying is conducted in accordance with EPA and DEC guidelines, and health risks associated with the use of the pesticide in this manner are negligible. While Anvil is relatively non-toxic to people and pets, the City recommends that all individuals take the following precautions to avoid direct exposure to the pesticide:

• 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 eye contact with the spray. If you get 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 people are sensitive to pesticides. Individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions should 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 City Poison Control Center at (212) POISONS (764-7667).

I urge everyone to help mosquito-proof New York City, particularly within their neighborhoods, by removing sources of standing water around their homes where mosquitoes may breed, and reporting areas of standing water to the Health Department.

New Yorkers should also take precautions to limit exposure to mosquitoes by wearing protective clothing, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks, if outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite. Also consider using insect repellant containing 10% or less of DEET for children, and no more than 30% DEET for adults, according to manufacturer's directions.

For information on West Nile virus, the spraying schedule, or to report dead birds and areas of standing water, call the Department of Health's automated information line, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-877-WNV-4NYC (1-877-968-4692). Or log on to the Department's web site at nyc.gov/health.

I want to thank all New Yorkers for their cooperation while the City works to prevent the virus from spreading. We're prepared, and we're taking all the necessary steps to monitor this virus throughout the mosquito season.