Crews To Spray For Mosquitoes In Eastern Queens Neighborhoods
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The New York City Department of Health will spray pesticides in several areas of Queens on Wednesday to eliminate mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile virus or Zika virus.
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene trucks will spray areas of Bayside, Bellerose, Douglas Manor, Douglaston, Floral Park, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Hollis Hills, Holliswood, Jamaica Estates, Little Neck, Oakland Gardens beginning at 10 p.m. and ending at around 6 a.m. Thursday morning.
The spraying will be conducted on Thursday in the event of inclement weather.
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Officials say the areas were chosen due to the larger presence of the Culex mosquito and the Aedes albopictus, or Asian Tiger mosquito, which are known to carry the West Nile virus.
The Health Department emphasized that while Aedes albopictus mosquitoes can carry the Zika virus, there have not been any Zika cases that have originated in New York City and most of the Zika cases in Latin America, the Caribbean and Florida are caused by different species, Aedes aegypti.
For the West Nile virus, most people don't suffer any symptoms, but generally, people over the age of 50 are more susceptible to the flulike symptoms that can accompany the virus.
In most instances, mild cases of West Nile can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, fever, headaches, swollen glands and sore throats. In addition to older adults, children are also at high risk.
Officials advise residents to stay inside while the spraying is being conducted, and to bring outdoor equipment, toys and clothes inside to avoid exposure.
