QUEENS — The City Health Department will spray pesticides in parts of Queens and Staten Island this week in its latest Zika-control efforts, officials said.
Workers will use pesticide containing low concentrations of DUET and Anvil 10+10 in neighborhoods including Rochdale Village, Springfield Gardens, Tottenville and Richmond Valley from 10 p.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Health Department.
The spray also combats the West Nile virus, which has been identified in 194 mosquito pools this summer in the city.
“While we do not expect to find Zika in New York City’s mosquitoes, we are taking no chances. We are moving forward with a safe but aggressive plan to spray pesticide when we find significant numbers of mosquitoes that could possibly carry Zika,” Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said in a statement.
“New Yorkers should continue to enjoy outdoor activities this summer while taking the usual precautions against mosquitoes, including wearing repellant and reporting standing water to 311.”
The spray does not pose a significant health risk, officials said, but residents are encouraged to stay indoors Monday night.
People are also encouraged to bring children’s toys and outdoor equipment inside and have their air conditioners recirculate air in their homes.
The Health Department will again spray in Queens from 10 p.m. Wednesday night to 6 a.m. Thursday morning in areas including Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Jamaica, Maspeth and Rego Park. In case of bad weather, the plan will be pushed to Thursday, Sept. 1 during the same hours.
Officials will also treat parts of Brooklyn at Bath Beach, Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Gravesend and Seagate.
Mosquitos tend to breed in standing water like in marshland, which is more prevalent in the outer boroughs.
No mosquitos have been found carrying the virus in New York, but nearly 500 people in the city have contracted the illness after they or someone they had sexual contact with traveled to an area where Zika is prevalent, according to the Health Department.
