NEW YORK – Amid growing concerns about the spread of West Nile virus in the New York City area, the city will begin spraying for mosquitoes in some neighborhoods in an effort to reduce the risk.
Showers will begin Monday night in the Central Park and Upper Manhattan neighborhoods, from 96th Street in Morningside Heights to Inwood on the West Side, and on the Upper East Side from 59th Street and up in areas west of Second Avenue. It happens during the overnight hours, and the city’s Health Department said the trucks will leave around midnight and run until 5 am.
Spraying will then continue in southwest Brooklyn on Wednesday, August 28, including Bay Ridge, Coney Island, and Dyker Heights.
The pesticides used should not pose a serious threat to human or pet health if used correctly.
The New York City Health Department has sent workers to 50 locations a day to catch and test mosquitoes, and has found that the number of mosquitoes with West Nile virus has increased to date. summer 2024 in the five cities.
“We are focusing on areas where there is a high probability of disease transmission. The disease will spread if not treated,” said Dr. Waheed Bajwa, DOH’s executive director for vector control. “Recent data shows that if we don’t spray, transmission to humans can happen. “
The only common denominator among places where recent sightings have been recorded is stagnant water, where mosquitoes breed. Continued testing led health authorities to focus on specific areas, such as Central Park and Upper Manhattan.
The increase in West Nile virus cases is not just a New York City problem, but a national problem. In New Jersey, the state Department of Health said cases appeared earlier in the season than expected and will likely continue into October.
Officials are particularly concerned, especially because of issues that are seen in people. New York City has had six cases so far, but fortunately, Dr. Bajwa said that everyone who is infected is doing well and has not been hospitalized.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was hospitalized for a short time after contracting the West Nile virus. Fauci, who was also the chief medical adviser to the Biden administration, was sent home on Saturday and is now recovering, according to his spokesman. He is expected to make a full recovery.
What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus is a disease that is usually spread through mosquito bites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The virus was first discovered in the US in 1999 after two men in New York City tested positive for the virus, which is believed to have first arrived in the country via an infected mosquito or bird.
So far, more than 200 cases of West Nile have been found nationwide in 2024, according to CDC data.
What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?
According to HHS, about 80% of people infected with WNV will not develop any symptoms. 20% will experience mild flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, and less than 1% will develop long-term side effects that can sometimes be fatal.
Symptoms include:
- body pain
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Headache
- Throwing out
The most serious complications include meningitis, paralysis or death.
When do West Nile virus symptoms start to appear?
Symptoms usually appear between two and 14 days after the bite, but sometimes it takes several weeks for them to appear in immunocompromised people, According to the CDC.
How to cure West Nile virus?
According to the CDCThere is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, although doctors often recommend pain relief for headaches and antiemetic therapy and rehydration to treat nausea and vomiting.
How do you protect yourself from West Nile virus?
The best way to protect yourself from West Nile virus is to wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs when you are outdoors. It is also recommended to use air conditioning and put mosquito nets on open doors and windows.
2024-08-27 02:50:05
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