Senator Golden Calls Upon Health Department Action in Response to West Nile Virus Activity Detected in Southwest Brooklyn

Brooklyn - Responding to notification from the New York City Department of Health regarding West Nile Virus activity being detected in parts of the 22nd Senate District, Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) today issued the following statement

“This morning upon learning that the West Nile Virus activity was detected in parts of my district, I contacted the Department of Health and have requested that the Bath Beach, Dyker Heights, Gravesend and Marine Park sections receive additional spraying immediately. I have also requested that neighboring communities, such as Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst and Gerritsen Beach be scheduled for spraying as well, so to be proactive in protecting the health of area residents.”

“I encourage all residents to take the necessary precautions as advised by the Health Department so to make sure that their health is not jeopardized by the West Nile Virus. I ask residents to eliminate standing water on their property, and to report the presence of standing water to either 311 or to my district office at (718) 238-6044 so to prevent the spread of the West Nile Virus within our neighborhood.”

Senator Golden this morning has forwarded important Health Department information listing personal precautions, and steps to reduce mosquito exposure around your home, via blast e-mail, his website, as well as his Facebook and Twitter page.

Received a notice from the Health Department that West Nile activity was detected recently in the following Brooklyn zip codes within our district: 11214, 11228 and 11234

(Bath Beach, Dyker Heights, Gravesend and Marine Park)

They are suggesting New Yorkers - especially people over 50 - take personal precautions to prevent mosquito bites -

*Use repellents that contain DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, IR3535, or Picaridin and always follow label instructions

*If outside from dusk to dawn, wear protective clothing if possible, such as loose-fitting pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks

*Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens (Fix or replace screens that have tears or holes)

Reduce mosquito exposure around your home

*Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property

*Remind or help neighbors to eliminate standing waters on their properties

* Call 311 to report standing water or go to www.nyc.gov/health