2 Queens Residents Contract West Nile Virus

QUEENS — Nine New Yorkers tested positive for West Nile virus this year, including two Queens residents, prompting the Health Department to remind city residents to continue to protect themselves against mosquitos.

As of Monday, the city found a record-breaking 1,039 groups of mosquitos across the city that tested positive for the West Nile virus — a major increase from July's 188 positive mosquito pools.

Since the insects breed in standing water, and flourish in warm weather, the Department of Health attributes the spike in mosquitos to "this year’s warm, wet weather" — a trend that experts say we can expect to continue seeing amid increasingly severe, climate change-induced weather changes.

The city has been attempting to reduce citywide mosquito activity since mid-May by sending low-flying helicopters over insect hot-spots and dousing the areas in larvicide a total of 21 times, according to the Health Department.

Areas of northeast Queens, including Bayside, have remained among the city's West Nile virus hotspots, according to a city map, which is why the Health Department has repeatedly sprayed larvicide in the area.

While the Health Department cannot disclose where the Queens residents who tested positive for the virus live, the agency implored all New Yorkers to take measures to reduce their exposure to mosquitos through the end of the season — which spans through October.

“While the end of summer is around the corner, we want all New Yorkers to be aware that mosquitoes are still active and we’ve seen record numbers of activity this season,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi.

The best way to control mosquitoes at home is to replace containers of standing water — including vases and pet bowls— weekly, to prevent breeding.

"If you observe standing water not on your property, please report it to 311," Chokshi said.

Other mosquito-prevention options include wearing long sleeves and pants, and using air-conditioning or window and door screens.

To prevent mosquito bites, the Centers for Disease Control suggests using insect repellent that contain DEET, picaridin, ir3535, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone.

Most of the nine New Yorkers diagnosed with West Nile virus report they did not use repellent or take other precautions to prevent a mosquito bite, the Health Department said.

West Nile virus infection usually presents with flu-like symptoms, but can be fatal, which is why the Health Department suggests seeking medical attention if you have West Nile virus-like symptoms.

Learn more about West Nile Virus in NYC here.