Friday, August 17, 2012

WEST NILE VIRUS FOUND AGAIN IN ZIP CODES 11215 AND 11232

Community Concerns about West Nile Virus Spraying
Thursday, August 23rd, 4:00 p.m.

As we reported last week, the Department of Health  (DOH) detected West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes on August 3rd in zip code 11215 and neighboring 11232. On August 10th, DOH detected the virus in both zip codes again.

The virus is passed to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can be deadly. Please read the important information on the DOH website about preventing West Nile virus.

Community Board 7's Health and Mental Health Committee will meet next Thursday afternoon to discuss community concerns about West Nile virus spraying. At this time, no spraying is scheduled for the two zip codes.

The meeting is open to the public. It will be held in the board's office at 4201 4th Avenue. The entrance is on 43rd Street.

The Department of Health cautions that "The lack of detection of West Nile virus in a zip code does NOT mean that West Nile virus is not present. All New Yorkers should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites during peak mosquito season, June through October."