The New York City Health Department is warning New Yorkers about increased West Nile virus activity after detecting nearly twice as many positive mosquito pools as at this time last year.
As of July 25, the Health Department had identified 612 West Nile virus-positive mosquito pools citywide out of 2,040 tested. At the same point last year, only 326 positive pools had been found among the same number tested.
No human cases have been reported in New York City this season. West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes are present across New York City from June through October, although cases typically peak in August and September.
The virus spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito and can cause serious illness in rare cases. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe disease.
The Health Department has increased mosquito surveillance and control efforts in areas where virus activity has been detected. Since July, control operations have been conducted in neighborhoods where 315 positive mosquito pools were found.
"Earlier this summer, we completed four mosquito control operations over select nonresidential wetlands and marsh areas," said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. "Now is the time for every New Yorker, especially older adults and people with weakened immune systems, to take simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites.”
Residents can reduce their risk by using EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors, limiting outdoor activity around dawn and dusk and keeping window and door screens in good condition. Residents should also eliminate standing water from buckets, flowerpots, toys, clogged gutters and other containers at least once a week. Swimming pools and other water features should be properly maintained.
New Yorkers can view locations where mosquitoes have tested positive on the Health Department’s online map and report chronic standing water through 311. Additional mosquito control operations are planned in the coming weeks.
