MANHATTAN — Mosquito-killing pesticide will be sprayed in The Bronx and Staten Island on Wednesday, just days after a Brooklyn man was diagnosed with West Nile virus.
Health Department workers will spray the Zika and West Nile-prevention pesticide from trucks on Sept. 14 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the following neighborhoods:
► North Bronx: Baychester, Co-Op City, Eastchester, Edenwald, Pelham Bay, Pelham Gardens, Wakefield and Williamsbridge
► South Bronx: Parts of Castle Hill, Hunts Point, Port Morris, Soundview and Unionport
► Staten Island: Parts of Bull’s Head, Castleton Corners, Graniteville, Mariner's Harbor, Port Richmond, Westerleigh, Parts of Arden Heights, Charleston, Greenridge, Rossville, Sandy Ground and Woodrow
“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,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett 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 workers will use spray containing “very low concentrations” of DUET and Anvil 10+10, according to officials.
The products do not pose significant health risks, health officials said, but residents are still cautioned to stay indoors during the spraying and bring in toys and outdoor equipment.
Zika has not been found in any mosquitos in New York, but more than 500 people in the city have contracted the virus through travel-related exposure.
