Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley has called upon the Department of Health to increase spraying in order to safeguard against the spread of the West Nile Virus in the communities of Middle Village, Maspeth, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, Woodhaven and Glendale.
While the DOH treated some catch basins in the area this past weekend, residents have reported a significant increase in mosquitos over recent weeks. While these insects are a nuisance, according to the Department of Health, they have not yet tested positive to be carrying disease.
With five recently contracted cases of West Nile and 88 positively tested pools borough-wide, Queens has been seen the greatest influx of the disease in the City. The Department has not released any details about contracted cases in these communities due to patient confidentiality laws; however Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley has called for more pesticide use in the area strictly as a preventative measure.
As part of the plan, Council Member Crowley has also asked the DOH to notify constituents of when and where they intend to spray.
Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley said, “The City must take every measure to prevent the spread of the virus. This year, our community is experiencing an unusual number of mosquitoes and not only is this making our residents uncomfortable, but the combined reports of West Nile poses a risk to our health.”
In 2008 Council Member Elizabeth Crowley was elected to represent the 30th Council District covering the Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, and Woodhaven neighborhoods. Elizabeth was the first female and first Democrat elected to represent that seat. She has chaired the Fire & Criminal Justice Services Committee since January 2010 which oversees the Fire Department, Department of Correction, Department of Probation, and Criminal Justice Coordinator’s Office.
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