MIDTOWN — The city will conduct its fourth mosquito-killing treatment of the year this week to help prevent Zika and West Nile virus, according to the Department of Health.
The department will use a low-flying helicopter to drop larvicide pellets in marsh and parkland Thursday through Sunday between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., officials said.
Targeted areas include Marine Park in Brooklyn, Kissena Park in Queens, Pelham Bay Park North in The Bronx and Fresh Kills in Staten Island.
The larvicide contains “naturally occurring bacteria,” which kills mosquito eggs before they can mature, according to the Health Department.
The city has dedicated up to $21 million during the next three years to prevent the spread of Zika, although so far there has been no reported local transmission of the virus.
West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes collected in Prince's Bay in Staten Island on June 12, but no human cases have been reported, according to the health department.
Officials recommend New Yorkers use insect repellent containing picaridin or DEET, make sure their windows have screens and eliminate any standing water on their property.
People can also report mosquito-breeding grounds by calling 311.
