City Gives Tips On How To Combat West Nile

The New York City Department of Health is urging Queens residents not to panic but to take appropriate precautions after a mosquito pool in Brookville Park tested positive for West Nile virus last week, marking the first finding of West Nile this summer.
"It is a preventable disease," said James Gibson, assistant commissioner for the Bureau of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, a branch of the New York Department of Health. He suggested that residents use the mosquito repellant Deet and wear long sleeved shirts and socks when going outdoors. Anyone over 50 should especially be careful, since they are more susceptible to the disease due to a weakened immune system, said Gibson.
"We also request that folks eliminate standing water from their homes," said Gibson. "If there are bird baths and containers holding water, they need to be emptied." If theres standing water that cant be eliminated, people can call 311 to make a report. Also, dead birds should be reported to that same number, since they are carriers of West Nile and are used for testing of the disease.
Since West Nile was detected in the park, the Department of Health has increased its surveillance of the mosquitoes in the area, adding an additional four mosquito traps throughout the park, said Gibson.