NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Mosquitoes with West Nile Virus have been detected in Brooklyn, Staten Island and Queens for the first time this mosquito season, the New York City of Health and Mental Hygiene announced Wednesday afternoon.
No human cases have been reported.
"We want New Yorkers to enjoy the outdoors this summer, but we also want people to protect themselves against mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent and covering their arms and legs," said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. "We also encourage everyone to remove any standing water that may harbor mosquitoes or call 311 for standing water they cannot manage themselves."
The Health Department said it is increasing mosquito surveillance by installing additional mosquito monitoring traps. There are currently over 61 surveillance sites citywide.
The Department said it will also spray pesticide to target mosquitoes if persistent West Nile virus activity is detected.
The city will continue its efforts to kill mosquito larvae before they can bite by applying larvicide in catch basins, marshland and other areas with standing water. The Health Department has already begun catch basin larviciding.
Two helicopter-based larviciding events in the marsh areas of Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx were conducted this month.
Mosquito season in New York City typically spans from April through September.
