Health Department to Spray Pesticides for Tenth Time to Combat Zika and West Nile

Health Department to Spray Pesticides for Tenth Time to Combat Zika and West Nile

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will disperse pesticides from trucks in parts of the Bronx and Staten Island to reduce mosquito activity and the risk of  Zika and West Nile viruses. The application will commence on Wednesday, September 14 between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning.

As part of its three-year, $21 million plan to protect New Yorkers from Zika, the Health Department will spray pesticide in areas where Aedes albopictus are found in significant numbers as a precaution. The department remains optimistic that Zika virus will not be found in mosquitoes in New York City.

The Bronx and Staten Island neighborhoods being sprayed include Baychester, Co-Op City, Eastchester, Edenwald, Pelham Bay, Pelham Gardens, Wakefield, and Williamsbridge, and parts of Bull’s Head, Castleton Corners, Graniteville, Mariner’s Harbor, Port Richmond, and Westerleigh, respectively.

“While we do not expect to find Zika in New York City’s mosquitoes, we are taking no chances. We are moving forward with a safe but aggressive plan to spray pesticide when we find significant numbers of mosquitoes that could possibly carry Zika,” Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said. “New Yorkers should continue to enjoy outdoor activities this summer while taking the usual precautions against mosquitoes, including wearing repellent and reporting standing water to 311.”

The Bronx neighborhoods to be sprayed with pesticides.

In the case of inclement weather, application will be delayed until Thursday, September 15 at the same times.