The Department of Health detected West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes in zip code 11215 and neighboring 11232 on August 3rd. West Nile virus can be fatal.
People, especially those over age fifty, should take personal precautions to prevent mosquito bites:
- Use repellents that contain DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, IR3535, or Picaridin and always follow label instructions.
- If you're going outside from dusk to dawn, wear protective clothing, if possible, such as loose-fitting pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks.
- Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Fix or replace screens that have tears or holes.
Reduce mosquito exposure around your home:
- Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.
- Remind or help neighbors to eliminate standing water on their properties.
- Call 311 to report standing water.
Report standing water to the Department of Health by calling 311 or by filling out an online form. The department can't visit as many sites as are reported in order to treat the problems, so they encourage residents and business owners to get rid of standing water on their own right away.
Complaints about standing water in these places are accepted
- basement
- bird baths
- construction sites/building foundations
- containers
- fish ponds
- flower planters
- fountains
- planters, oil drums, and other water-holding containers
- ponds or lakes
- pool covers or unchlorinated pools
- puddles
- roof gutters
- sewer or drain
- tires and other water-holding debris
- unmaintained lots, yards, and other property
For more information about West Nile virus, call 311 or go to www.nyc.gov/health.
*Source: Mosquito West Nile virus surveillance data, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene