HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO SPRAY PESTICIDE FROM TRUCKS FOR
SIXTH TIME IN 2016 TO REDUCE RISK OF ZIKA AND WEST NILE VIRUSES

 No Zika virus found, no Zika transmission from local mosquitoes in NYC

As a precaution, Department will target parts of Brooklyn and Queens, where significant numbers of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, potential transmitters of Zika, were found

 Criteria for spraying to prevent West Nile virus also met in several Brooklyn and Queens neighborhoods

August 21, 2016 – To reduce mosquito activity and the risk of  Zika and West Nile viruses, the Health Department will spray pesticide from trucks in parts of Brooklyn and Queens on Tuesday, August 23 between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning, weather permitting. In case of bad weather, application will be delayed until Wednesday, August 24 during the same hours.

The Brooklyn and Queens neighborhoods listed below are being treated with adulticide due to a significant presence of Aedes albopictus, or Asian tiger mosquitoes, in traps set by the Health Department. No Zika virus has been found in any mosquito in New York City. Although Aedes albopictus mosquitoes can carry Zika virus, they are not responsible for the current outbreak in Latin and Central America. Aedes aegypti, a cousin to Aedes albopictus which has never been found in New York City, is responsible for the current outbreak.

As part of its aggressive three-year, $21 million plan to protect New Yorkers from Zika, the Health Department will spray pesticide in areas where Aedes albopictus are found in significant numbers as a precaution. The Department remains cautiously optimistic that Zika virus will not be found in mosquitoes in New York City.

“While we do not expect to find Zika in New York City’s mosquitoes, we are taking no chances. We are moving forward with a safe but aggressive plan to spray pesticide when we find significant numbers of mosquitoes that could possibly carry Zika,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “New Yorkers should continue to enjoy outdoor activities this summer while taking the usual precautions against mosquitoes, including wearing repellant and reporting standing water to 311.”

The neighborhoods listed below have also met sufficient criteria for truck spraying of adulticide – an increase in West Nile virus activity as well as high numbers of Culex mosquitoes that have been known to transmit West Nile virus in New York City since 1999. These mosquitoes are not known to transmit Zika virus.

For the sprayings in Brooklyn and Queens, the Health Department will use very low concentrations of DUET™ and Anvil® 10+10. When properly used, these products poses no significant risks to human health. The Health Department recommends that people take the following precautions to minimize direct exposure:

• Whenever possible, stay indoors during spraying. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions are encouraged to stay inside during spraying since direct exposure could worsen these conditions.
• Air conditioners may remain on. However, if you wish to reduce the possibility of indoor exposure to pesticides, set the air conditioner vent to the closed position, or choose the re-circulate function.
• Remove children’s toys, outdoor equipment, and clothes from outdoor areas during spraying. If outdoor equipment and toys are exposed to pesticides, wash them with soap and water before using again.

• Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water. Always wash your produce thoroughly with water before cooking or eating.

Reducing Exposure to Mosquitoes

• Consider limiting time outdoors between dusk and dawn in areas with significant mosquito infestations.
• Wear protective clothing when outdoors, and use an approved insect repellent containing picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
• Make sure windows have screens and repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
• Eliminate any standing water from your property and dispose of containers that can collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.
• Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.
• Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov.