Community Corner

West Nile Virus Subject of DOH Meeting with CB7

West Nile virus countermeasures largely effective in 2012 says DOH; Caution still urged.

 

While Park Slope and most of NYC has mostly been spared from the , Windsor Terrace residents were reminded Thursday that vigilance is still warranted.

Following , Dr. Waheed Bajwa, executive director of the DOH Office of Vector Surveillance and Control, appeared before members and the public Thursday afternoon.

Find out what's happening in Park Slopewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"West Nile virus is a serious disease," said Bajwa, "It can kill. So the message for the public is the best methods are preventive, and to avoid mosquito bites."

He said they have been placing traps for adult mosquitos on the north and south sides of Prospect Park, on the borders of Windsor Terrace and Prospect Heights. The DOH posts regular updates on West Nile virus activity on their site.

Find out what's happening in Park Slopewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When treating an area such as Prospect Park Bajwa said precautions are taken to minimize human exposure to insecticides.

"We don't spray the entire park," he said, "Only those areas not close to water bodies, and with a 300 ft. buffer zone."

While 2012 has actually been a less active year for the virus in NYC than in 2011 and 2010, Bajwa said one plausible reason for the scale of the nationwide outbreak has been this summer's drought conditions.

Let Patch save you time. Get the latest local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. It's simple and fast. Sign-up here.

Hot weather prompts people to spend more time outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active, while at the same time wearing less protective clothing. The lack of rain means pools of water aren't disturbed and become safe havens for generations of mosquito larva.

Since flying adult insects are difficult to eliminate, extermination efforts focus on the larva. When infected insects are found, which can take as little as 24 hours from when a sample is taken, the city schedules treatment in the area.

On Thursday night, the city treated Brooklyn's southern shore — in the neighborhoods of Canarsie, East Flatbush, Flatlands, Georgetown, Marine Park, Mills Island, Mills Basin, Paerdegat Basin, Spring Creek and Starrett City.

The DOH offers the following advice to prevent mosquito breeding.

  • Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.
  • Remind or help neighbors to eliminate mosquito breeding sites on their properties.
  • Repair or replace all screens in your home that have tears or holes.

To avoid mosquito bites, the DOH suggests the following:

  • Wear protective clothing such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are searching for a blood meal.
  • Avoid shaded, bushy areas where mosquitoes like to rest.
  • Limit outdoor evening activity, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to help reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Always read the repellents label. For more information, see DOHMH's Insect Repellent Use & Safety Fact Sheet.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here