Health Department Forms Folder 0065, 1999-2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

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round of spraying on Staten Island to take place on Sunday, August 27 and Wednesday, August 30. The other mosquito pool was collected in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx prompting spraying to take place in Van Cortlandt Park and Woodlawn Cemetery tonight and in the community surrounding Van Cortlandt Park on Sunday night. (Spraying schedules attached)

Dr. Cohen joined Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani to make this announcement at a press conference in the Blue Room at City Hall.

Mayor Giuliani said, "The City of New York is doing everything possible to limit the spread of West Nile virus and to minimize human illnesses. It is likely that our efforts so far have .prevented many others from becoming ill. While the City will continue its spraying activities to decrease the mosquito population, I urge New Yorkers, particularly older New Yorkers, to take personal precautions to reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, New Yorkers should wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, and use insect repellents containing DEFT."

The 87 year-old woman from Brooklyn was admitted to a local hospital for a surgical procedure on August 7 and developed encephalitis on August 15. (There is a 3 to 15 day incubation period from infection with West Nile virus to the onset of symptoms). The 84 year-old woman from Staten Island became ill with symptoms of encephalitis on August 18, and was admitted'to a local hospital on August 20.

Dr. Cohen said, "With two additional New Yorkers testing positive for West Nile virus this year, one 87 years old and the other 84 years old, it is critical that all New Yorkers, particularly older New Yorkers, take personal precautions to reduce exposure to mosquitoes. It also continues to be important to reduce standing water to minimize mosquito breeding sites around people's homes.

"Additionally, while the Cu1ex pipiens species continues to be the main carrier of West Nile virus, the City has also identified West Nile virus in two other species of mosquitoes: Culex salinarius, and Aedes triseriatus. While the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes is still greatest during dusk and at dawn, and during nighttime hours, the Aedes triseriatus species may also bite during the day. While it is not yet known how significant a role this mosquito plays in the transmission of West Nile virus to humans, it is nonetheless recommended that individuals also take precautions against mosquitoes during the daytime if in areas where there is mosquito activity," Dr. Cohen added.

NEW MOSQUITO AND BIRD FINDINGS The State Health Department reported 13 new pools of mosquitoes and 2 dead birds to the City Health Department this morning. 12 of the mosquito pools were collected from various areas of Staten Island including Rossville, Grasmere, Clove Lake and the landfill; the other mosquito pool was collected from Van Cortlandt park in the Bronx. The two birds, a dead crow and a dead captive bird were collected from Midland Beach and West Brighton, Staten Island, respectively.

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