NYC beefs up efforts as number of infected mosquitoes jumps

CITYWIDE — WEST NILE VIRUS has been detected in nearly twice as many mosquito pools across the city as this same time last year, the New York City Health Department announced Thursday, urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves. 

As of July 25, the Health Department had identified 612 West Nile virus-positive mosquito pools out of more than 2,000 tested. By this time last year, just 326 positive mosquito pools had been identified. 

West Nile-positive mosquitoes have been detected in about half of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods, with more found in areas around the periphery of the borough, and fewer in Central Brooklyn.

The city is expanding mosquito and larval control efforts, and recommends people limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, use insect repellent, and empty standing water at least once a week.

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