West Nile Virus in New York: New York launches first round of mosquito spraying to limit spread of disease

NEW YORK (WABC) — New York City has begun combating mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases by launching a massive pesticide spraying operation.

Health Department trucks deployed repellent across Manhattan overnight to target the insects.

City officials say the number of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus is on the rise this summer and that will help reduce transmission.

There have been six confirmed cases in the city so far this summer.

The city’s first spraying session began around 8:30 p.m. Monday and is expected to end around 6 a.m. Tuesday.

The Health Department targeted Upper Manhattan, Central Park and the Upper East Side.

Although the Department of Health says most people with West Nile virus have no symptoms, the disease can be a concern for people over 60 or those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms include fever, headache and vomiting.

Crews will begin spraying in southwest Brooklyn starting at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.

They will target areas between 3rd Avenue and Ocean Parkway and between 65th Street and Coney Island Beach and Gravesend Bay.

Meanwhile, New Yorkers say they are glad the city is doing something to stop the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

“I think it’s great that they’re taking a proactive approach and getting rid of the mosquitoes. I didn’t know there was West Nile virus, but I’m glad they’re doing something about it,” one park visitor told Eyewitness News.

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