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Mosquitoes With West Nile Virus Found in Brooklyn

Mosquitoes carrying the virus have been discovered in four Brooklyn ZIP codes
mosquito

Mosquitoes infected with the West Nile Virus, a fever causing virus, have been found in four Brooklyn ZIP codes, according to the Department of Health.

The ZIP codes include 11207 (Starrett City-East New York), 11206 (the Broadway Triangle area), 11228 (Dyker Heights, on Gravesend Bay), and 11232 (Sunset Park), Brooklyn Daily Eagle reports.

Mosquitoes carrying the virus have also been found in each of the other four boroughs, despite the City's efforts in applying larvicide to areas of standing water — where the mosquitoes are most often found.

West Nile Virus generally causes temporary symptoms of fever or fatigue, but can develop  a serious and potentially fatal infection of the brain and spinal cord. Those over 50 or who have weakened immune system are most at risk.

"Let's not forget safety while enjoying summer fun," Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi said in a statement.

"Take simple steps to protect you and your loved ones from mosquito bites this summer: use insect repellent and cover arms and legs. Standing water can harbor mosquitoes. If you encounter pools of standing water, call 311."

The City watches over more than 50 sites with standing water and the Health Department installs additional mosquito traps around affected areas to enhance mosquito surveillance. The Health Department has already begun catch-basin larviciding and it has undertaken two helicopter-based larviciding efforts in the marsh areas of Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.

Pesticides can also be sprayed to target adult mosquitoes where persistent West Nile Virus activity is found. In the past, Brooklyn neighborhoods sprayed for West Nile include Bergen Beach, Canarsie, Flatlands, Georgetown, Gerritsen Beach, Marine Park, Mill Basin, Mill Island, Paerdegat Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Spring Creek and Starrett City. Spraying is typically done in nonresidential areas.




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