On the go?

Get IOL's cool new iPad app...

Manhattan to be sprayed against virus

Comment on this story


iol news pic West Nile disease

AP

FILE - In this August 16, 2012 file photo, mosquitos are sorted in a lab. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

New York -

One of New York's most expensive neighborhoods will be sprayed this week with pesticide to combat the West Nile virus, officials said Tuesday.

The city regularly sprays against the mosquito-borne disease, which has seen a surge in outbreaks in the United States this year. Friday's spraying is notable because it will target Manhattan's prestigious Upper West Side neighborhood and parts of the famed Central Park.

“These neighborhoods are being treated due to rising West Nile virus activity with high and/or increasing mosquito populations,” the Department of Health said in a statement.

The department said trucks would spray “a very low concentration” of pesticide and that “when properly used, this product poses no significant risks to human health.”

However, it also urged people to stay indoors during the spraying and to remove clothes and children's toys from outside.

At least 41 people have died in the United States from the disease this summer, health officials said. A total of 1,118 cases have been identified across the country. - Sapa-AFP


sign up
 
 

Comment Guidelines



  1. Please read our comment guidelines.
  2. Login and register, if you haven’ t already.
  3. Write your comment in the block below and click (Post As)
  4. Has a comment offended you? Hover your mouse over the comment and wait until a small triangle appears on the right-hand side. Click triangle () and select "Flag as inappropriate". Our moderators will take action if need be.

     

Join us on

IOL-Social networks IOL-Social networks IOL-Social networks IOL-Social networks

Business Directory