Health Department Forms Folder 0065, 1999-2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

HEALTH SUPPORT SVC. Fax:212-788-9232 Sep 1 '00 10:44 P.09

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YMPT MS OF WEST NILE ViRus West Nile virus (WNV) is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, and can cause encephalitis (inflanntlation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). It is not transmitted front one person to another, or from birds to pt-ople. Most people who become infected with WNV do not experience symptoms or become ill. In some individuals, particularly the elderly, Nest Nile encephalitis can be a serious disease 2nd is potentially fatal. Symptoms generally occur 5 to 15 days following the bite of an infected mosquito. While most mosquitoes do not carry WNV, and a person who is bitten by a mosquito does not need to he tested for WNV, any individual who develops symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headaches, or stiff neck should see a doctor (inmediau;ty. REMINDER-- SPRAYING AND PRECAUTIONS As announced previously, ground-based spraying is scheduled for tonight a few non-residential areas ofStaten Island: the Frederick Douglass, Oceanview, Resurrection, and United Hebrew Cemeteries; as well as the Staten Island Rodeo Grounds, Spraying is also scheduled for to;titght in a non-residential area of Breezy Point, Queens. in the Gateway National Recreation Area. Both of those efforts are scheduled for 8:00 p.m. to midnight, weather permitting. In addition, as announced previously, spraying in the vicinity of Woodhaven, Queens, is scheduled for tonight from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., and spraying in limited areas of the Bronx, Brooklyn. and Queens is scheduled for tomorrow night from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., weather permitting, (A complete spraying schedule for this weekend is attached.)

Spraying schedules are announced each day on WCBS Radio (880 AM) at 6:56 am and 6:56 pm, and at other times throughout the day, Several radio stations in New York City are also running public service announcements. New Yorkers can also find out about spraying plans tluoug'h the media, by calling the West Nile virus information line at 1-877-WNV-4NYC, by checking the New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH) website at nyc.gov/health, an.d by calling community boards and elected officials.

Anvil (Suntithrin) will be used for these efforts. This pyrethroid-based pesticide is relatively nontoxic to humans and other mammals, and health risks associated with the use of pyrethn)ids in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New York Statt! Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) guidelines are negligible. The NYCDO13 recommends that all individuals take precautions to avoid direct exposure to pesticides:

• Whenever possible, people and pets should stay indoors during spraying with windows closed and air conditioners turned off. • If you have to remain outdoors, avoid contact with the spray. If you get pesticide spray directly in your eyes, immediately rinse them with water or eye Crops, Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water. + Sonic individuals are sensitive to pesticides. Persons with asthma or other respiratory conditions are especially encouraged to stay inside during straying since there is a possibility that spraying could worsen those conditions. • Wash fruits and vegetables that could have been exposed to the spray. • Anyone experiencing adverse reactions to pesticides should call their doctor or the NYC Poison Control Center at (212) POISONS or (212) 764-7667,

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