It's that time of year again! Time for grilling, swimming and getting assaulted by West Nile-carrying mosquitoes, that is. The Department of Health reports that it's located the season's first instance of the disease in the Pomonok neighborhood in Queens and the Huguenot Beach neighborhood on Staten Island. Happily, no humans have been infected...yet.
Despite the ominous implications, not everyone who gets bitten by an infected mosquito will feel the effects of West Nile. That being said, those with a predilection for hanging out in swampy environments around dusk, their sweaty limbs unencumbered by protective clothing, should see a doctor if they start feeling fever-like symptoms like headache, fever, fatigue or weakness.
Some other tips to avoid getting bit, courtesy of the Health Department:
- Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under 3), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
- Make sure windows have screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home, and repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
- Eliminate any standing water from your property since it provides a breeding site for mosquitoes, and dispose of containers that can collect water.
- Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered when not in use, and drain water that collects in pool covers.
- Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code. You can report standing water by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov.
