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Read the press release here.

First West Nile Mosquitoes Found This Year in New Dorp Beach and Queens

By Nicholas Rizzi | July 1, 2015 1:45pm
 West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes in Staten Island and Queens, the Department of Health said.
West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes in Staten Island and Queens, the Department of Health said.
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Flickr/dr_relling

NEW DORP BEACH — The first mosquitoes of the year infected with West Nile virus have been found in Staten Island and Queens, the Department of Health announced.

The insects were found in New Dorp Beach and Glen Oaks and the Department of Health said they will set up additional traps in the areas.

"West Nile virus has been detected in New York City, so we urge everyone to take simple precautions to protect you and your family,” Dr. Mary Bassett, DOH commissioner, said. 

“The most effective way to keep mosquito populations low is to remove standing water from items like buckets, gutters, planters or any other receptacles that might be outdoors. New Yorkers are also encouraged to wear mosquito repellent and cover their arms and legs if they’re outside at dawn or dusk in areas with mosquitoes."

The DOH said they will continue to apply larvicide in catch basins, marshlands and places with standing water around the city to attempt to kill mosquito larva.

Not everybody who gets infected with the virus becomes ill, but it can cause serious issues like neurological diseases and a mild flu-like illness, the DOH said.

People over the age of 50 or with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop illnesses if infected with the virus, the DOH said.