In light of reports that a Middle Village resident has contracted West Nile virus, residents and local officials are asking the city to remove standing water and take preventative measures against the virus.
According to the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, there have been five confirmed cases of West Nile virus in Queens residents, including one fatality of a Queens male, but the department does not release information about where the residents live. The Health Department also stresses that it is extremely difficult to determine where a resident might have contracted the virus.
“The Health Department’s city-wide strategy to address WNV issues includes surveillance, public outreach and treatment of mosquito breeding grounds including all catch basins in [the city] and other mosquito habitats using appropriate larvicide,” the Health Department said in a statement. “While many communities around the city may have initial indication of WNV activity, a lot of this activity is temporary.”
After learning about the possible infection, Juniper Park Civic Association President Bob Holden, Community Board 5 District Manager Gary Giordano, Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) and State Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) have all contacted the Health Department and asked them to survey the area.
Lydon Sleeper, chief of staff for Crowley, said the city did conduct larvicides in the neighborhood’s catch basins and are debating whether further spraying may be necessary.
Holden said the city should be more proactive in eliminating standing water in the neighborhood.
“We have a lot of standing water,” which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitos, Holden said. Juniper Valley Park, which used to be a swamp, regularly floods and doesn’t drain water well, particularly in baseball fields and roller hockey rink, Holden explained. Further, the railroad tracks that run through the area are home to abandoned tires and other litter that can hold standing water, he said.
Even with increased larvicides, Holden said the question that now concerns residents is simply, “Is it too late?”
Health Department Tips for Preventing West Nile Virus
- Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
- Make sure windows have screens, and that screens are in good repair.
- Eliminate any standing water from your property, and dispose of containers that can collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.
- Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.
- Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov/health/wnv.
By Eric Yun
