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With
the thermometer stuck on "hot" the spreading of larvicide in
Staten Island to kill West Nile carrying mosquitoes City health officials
are stepping up their efforts to prevent and eliminate the threat of West
Nile disease.
Local officials have been working since the spring at
preventing another outbreak of the disease and monitoring the mosquito
situation in Queens.
In April, Borough President Helen Marshall held her
first meeting of her borough-wide Mosquito Task Force, where
representatives of City and State agencies presented updated plans to
tackle the mosquito-bourne West Nile challenge.
Topics discussed at the meeting ranged from Health
Department inspections to the spraying of pesticides throughout Queens.
On hand were representatives from the NY State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), NY City Park Department (DOP),
Department of Health (DOH), Department of Sanitation (DOS), NY State
Department of Parks, and the Gateway National Recreation Area.
The Borough President’s spokesperson, Dan Andrews,
told the Tribune, that the City’s Department of Environmental
Protection will have 114 mosquito magnets in place at its water pollution
treatment plants.
— Liz Goff
Q: What is West Nile virus?
A: West Nile is a mosquito-borne virus that
can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis
(inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).
Q: How is West Nile virus spread?
A: West Nile virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected
mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by biting a bird that carries the
virus. You or your child cannot get West Nile virus from a person who has
the disease. West Nile virus is not spread by person-to-person
contact such as touching, kissing, or caring for someone who is infected.
Q: Are older adults more at risk for West Nile viral
disease?
A: Yes. While the chance of anyone becoming
infected with West Nile virus is very low, most cases in New York City
have occurred in people older than 50. People in this age group,
especially the elderly, are also more likely to develop severe diseases,
such as encephalitis or meningitis, if they become infected.
Q: Where did West Nile virus come from?
A: Outbreaks of West Nile viral disease have
occurred in Africa, Egypt, Israel, Asia, Romania, Russia and France.
Before 1999, however, West Nile virus had never before been found in the
Americas. The most likely explanation for its appearance is that the virus
was introduced by an infected bird that was imported or an infected person
returning from a country where the virus is common.
Q: Can you get West Nile virus directly from birds?
A: There is currently no evidence that West
Nile virus can be spread directly from birds to people. However, dead
birds can carry a variety of diseases and, therefore, should never be
handled with bare hands. Use gloves to carefully place dead birds in
double-plastic bags and then place in the outdoor trash.
Q: Besides mosquitoes, can you get West Nile virus
directly from other insects or ticks?
A: Infected mosquitoes are the primary source
of West Nile virus and caused the recent outbreaks in NYC. There is no
evidence to suggest that ticks or other insects transmit West Nile virus.
Q: What are the symptoms of West Nile viral infection?
A: Most people who are infected with West Nile
virus either have no symptoms or experience mild illness such as a fever,
headache and body aches before fully recovering. Some persons also develop
a mild rash or swollen lymph glands. In some individuals, particularly the
elderly, West Nile virus can cause serious disease that affects brain
tissue. At its most serious, it can cause permanent neurological damage
and can be fatal. Symptoms of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
include the rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck,
confusion, loss of consciousness (coma), or muscle weakness, and may be
fatal.
Q: How is West Nile encephalitis treated?
A: There is no specific therapy. In more
severe cases, intensive supportive therapy is indicated, i.e.,
hospitalization, intravenous (IV) fluids and nutrition, airway management,
ventilatory support (ventilator) if needed, prevention of secondary
infections (pneumonia, urinary tract, etc.), and good nursing care.
Q: Is there a vaccine against West Nile virus?
A: A vaccine for humans against West Nile
virus does not exist.
Q: How long does it take to get sick if bitten by an
infected mosquito?
A: Being bitten by an infected mosquito will
not necessarily make you sick. Most people who are infected with West Nile
virus have no symptoms or experience only mild illness. If illness were to
occur, it would occur within 3 to15 days of being bitten by an infected
mosquito.
Q: What should I do if I think I have West Nile
encephalitis?
A: If you develop signs of encephalitis, with
fever, muscle weakness, and confusion, you should seek medical care
immediately.
Q: What can I do to reduce my risk of becoming infected
with West Nile virus?
A: From April to October, when mosquitoes are
most active, take the following precautions:
• If outside from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are
most active, or during the day in an area where there are weeds, tall
grass, or bushes, people should wear protective clothing, such as long
pants, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, and socks, and consider the use
of an insect repellent containing DEET.
• DEET is effective for approximately 4 hours. Avoid
prolonged or excessive use of DEET. Use sparingly to cover exposed skin
and clothing. Do not apply to skin covered by clothing.
Q: What can I do around my home to help reduce exposure
to mosquitoes?
A: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing or slow-moving (such as streams
or creeks) water. Weeds, tall grass, and bushes provide an outdoor home
for mosquitoes. They can enter homes through unscreened windows or doors,
or broken screens.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas
and hot tubs. If not in use, keep empty and covered.
• Drain water from pool covers.
• Change the water in bird baths every 3 to 4 days.
• Eliminate any standing water that collects on your
property.
Q: Is the City planning to apply pesticides as was done
previously?
A: If West Nile virus is detected in the
community, the City’s initial response will be to intensify its efforts
to reduce mosquito breeding sites and increase its levels of larviciding
in those areas in which West Nile virus has been found.
Q: What health risks are posed to people and pets from
pesticides for adult mosquitoes?
A: If pesticides are sprayed to control adult
mosquitoes, the products that will be applied will be used according to
guidelines set by the EPA and the NYSDEC. In the small amounts used, risks
to people and pets are relatively low. Persons directly exposed to these
pesticides may experience short term eye or throat irritation or rash.
There could be an odor associated with pesticides, but it will pass in a
few hours. Anyone experiencing persistent or significant adverse reactions
to pesticides should seek medical care or call the NYC Poison Control Center
at (212) POISONS or (212) 764-7667.
Q: Will the public be notified in advance about
spraying activities?
A: If spraying becomes necessary, residents
can learn about schedules in advance of spraying activities through public
service radio and television announcements, newspapers, the City’s Web
site (nyc.gov/health), and the West Nile Virus Information Line at
1-877-WNV-4NYC (1-877-968-4642).
Q: If the City sprays pesticides for adult mosquitoes,
what should I do during the spraying?
• Some individuals are sensitive to pesticides.
Persons with asthma or other respiratory conditions are especially
encouraged to stay inside during spraying since there is a possibility
that spraying could worsen those conditions.
• Air conditioners may remain on. But if you wish
to reduce the possibility of exposure to pesticides, set the air
conditioner vent to the closed position, or choose the recirculate
function.
• Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides
with soap and water.
• Anyone experiencing adverse reactions to
pesticides should seek medical care or call the NYC Poison Control Center
at (212) POISONS or (212) 764-7667.
Q: If I live in an area where birds or mosquitoes with
West Nile virus have been reported, and I am bitten by a mosquito, am I
likely to get sick?
A: Evidence indicates that the chance of human
infection and illness resulting from West Nile virus is very low. People
older than 50, especially the elderly, are those most likely to get
seriously ill if they become infected, and should, therefore, take the
greatest care to prevent exposure to mosquito bites.
Q: I’ve gotten a mosquito bite. Should I be tested
for West Nile virus?
A: No. Illnesses related to mosquito bites are
still uncommon. However, you should see a doctor immediately if you
develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe
headaches, stiff neck, or if your eyes become sensitive to light.
Q: Should I report dead birds to the Health Department?
A: The New York City Department of Health
encourages New York City residents to report all dead bird sightings
within NYC, especially crows and blue jays.
For more information about West Nile virus, call the
New York City Department of Health West Nile Information Line, 24 hours a
day, seven days a week, at (877) WNV-4NYC or (877) 968-4692.
— Information provided by the New York City Dept. of
Health.
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