By Gus Saltonstall
Over the past month, mosquitoes have tested positive on multiple occasions for West Nile virus on the Upper West Side, according to the city.
Mosquito samples tested positive for the virus on July 3 and July 11 in the 10025 ZIP code, which stretches from around West 92nd to 114th streets, but the city did not specify exactly where the positive traps were found.
The Upper West Side’s 10025 ZIP code is among five of Manhattan’s 56 ZIP codes where mosquitoes with West Nile virus have been found this year. Three of the other four ZIP codes are in Harlem, according to the city.
West Nile virus in New York City is not uncommon.
The city detected its first case of West Nile in 1999, and the virus has returned to the five boroughs every year since. West Nile virus season in New York City takes place between May and October.
While the majority of people who catch the virus have no or mild symptoms, people who are older and those with health conditions run the highest risk of becoming severely ill. In the past 25 years, up to 30 people have tested positive for the virus annually in New York City, and it has a death rate of around 14 percent, according to the New York Times.
There is no cure for West Nile virus.
New York state recommends using mosquito repellents, to minimize exposed skin, and to be especially mindful during dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Additionally, remove any standing water that might have accumulated in places you frequent.
The city also performs routine mosquito-control events over the summer, including spraying pesticide from trucks and helicopters over hot spots or marshes and other large natural areas with water.
You can find out more information — HERE.
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Time to start spraying the uptown neighborhood 10025. 😷
Use mosquito repellent instead of advocating spraying. Pesticides kill all six and eight legged creatures, as well as their larvae—not just mosquitoes. The effects of pesticide application to control mosquitoes are more widespread than the mosquito spaying companies advertise.
How about holding the city to same standards as residents — residents can’t leave standing pools but the utter and complete disrepair & lack of upkeep for Riverside Park means lakes of water after every rainstorm.
Sorry but this is a nothing burger. With only “up to” 30 positive tests over about as many years in a city with a huge population, this “threat” is absolutely insignificant. The writer of the article would have been more helpful advising us to beware of lightning and to wear lightning repellant.
PLEASE don’t spray. It’s a nerve gas.