|
|
NYC Department of Health InformationNYC
HEALTH DEPARTMENT WARNS AGAINST USE OF HERBAL MEDICINE PRODUCTS MADE IN
This summer the DOHMH began an
investigation of the availability of products containing lead or mercury made
in Laboratory tests showed that
the above products, purchased in stores in In the past year there have
been three confirmed cases of adult lead poisoning among “We urge New Yorkers not to
use any products known to contain lead or mercury,” said DOHMH Commissioner
Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH. “These metals are poisons and can cause damage
to the brain, nervous system, and kidneys. Children and pregnant women (and
their fetuses) are especially at risk. If you or your children have used these
products, immediately call a physician to request a blood lead test and urine
mercury test.”
DOHMH advises people who may
have obtained these products to:
WEST NILE
VIRUS ACTIVITY INCREASING IN
On sixth
anniversary of first NYC West Nile case, Health Dept. advises NY’ers,
especially those 50 and over, to take precautions against mosquitoes; risk
from WNV is greatest during this time of year
|
 | Use
repellents that contain DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Also, repellents containing picaridin have been approved for sale
in |
| If outside from dusk to dawn – when mosquitoes are most active – or during the day in an area where there are weeds, tall grass, or bushes: |
 | Wear protective clothing if possible, such as long pants; loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts; and socks. |
| Avoid shaded, bushy areas where mosquitoes like to rest. |
| Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens that have tears or holes. |
| Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property: |
| Dispose of containers that can collect standing water |
| Make sure roof gutters drain properly |
| Clean and chlorinate swimming pools |
| Drain water that collects in pool and hot tub covers |
| Change water in birdbaths every three to four days |
| Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use |
| Remove discarded tires on your property |
| Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties |
WNV POSITIVE RESULTS
|
Citywide
|
The
|
|
|
|
|
Birds
|
11
|
6
|
2
|
0
|
3
|
0
|
Mosquito Pools
|
75
|
34
|
4
|
0
|
33
|
4
|
To report dead birds online, visit: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wnv/wnvbird.shtml;
to report standing
water online, visit: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wnv/wnvwater.shtml.
New Yorkers can also call 311 or visit nyc.gov/health/wnv
for more information about
People
should take care to minimize exposure to pesticides.
Anyone who experiences adverse
reactions to pesticides should seek medical care or call the
DOHMH offers these
recommendations on avoiding direct exposure to pesticides:
| Persons with asthma or other respiratory conditions are encouraged to stay inside during spraying since there is a possibility that spraying could worsen these conditions. |
| |
| As always, rinse fresh fruits and vegetables with water before eating. |
| It is recommended that food sold or prepared outdoors in the spraying area be covered with a non-porous material, such as plastic sheeting, during the spraying event. |
| Air conditioners may remain on. But if you wish to reduce the possibility of exposure to pesticides, set the air conditioner vent to the closed position, or choose the “exhaust” function. |
| If outdoor equipment and toys are exposed to pesticides, they may be washed with soap and water to reduce the possibility of exposure. |
To report dead birds online, go to http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wnv/wnvbird.shtml. And to report standing water online, visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wnv/wnvwater.shtml.
New Yorkers -- especially those over the age of
50 – may not be doing
enough to keep themselves healthy. Take Care New York (TCNY), the City’s
health policy, provides a framework to improve the health of New Yorkers
and focuses on ten key areas to improve health. TCNY includes
life-saving
strategies such as cancer screenings, immunizations, keeping a healthy
heart and living tobacco free. This year, the Department’s Summer
Outreach Team will conduct a range of presentations relevant to older
adult health, highlighting Take Care New York and West Nile virus.
Please contact our office at our Outreach Coordinator, Rebecca Berger, at
347-723-1436 or email: rberger1@health.nyc.gov to schedule a presentation
for your organization or group.
Regularly
Updated Information on Beach Water Quality and Safety
Available
at www.nyc.gov/health/beach
Public beaches open for
swimming beginning May 28th are:
The Bronx:
Brooklyn:
Queens:
Staten
Island:
“
He continued, “Water near
our beaches can sometimes become contaminated, which may pose a health risk,
especially for infants and toddlers, people over age 65, and those with
underlying medical conditions. Check
for beach closures and advisories by visiting our website at www.nyc.gov/health/beach
or by calling 311, and always heed posted warnings.”
Swimming in the waters
surrounding New York City is permitted only at approved beaches, and is
prohibited at all other waterfronts, including the East River, Harlem River,
Hudson River, Upper New York Bay, the Kill Van Kull and the Arthur Kill, as
well as Jamaica Bay, which includes Howard Beach, Canarsie Beach, and Broad
Channel.
|
OPEN |
Swimming
and bathing permitted |
|
WET WEATHER ADVISORY |
Advisory
– Wet weather conditions; swimming
and bathing not recommended |
|
ADVISORY |
Advisory
– swimming and bathing not recommended |
|
CLOSED |
Closed
– swimming and bathing temporarily not permitted |
Wet Weather
Advisory
Issued following a period of heavy rainfall, which could
lead to sewer overflows and storm runoff (e.g., from streets and other
properties). That in turn may lead
to elevated levels of bacteria in some beach waters, which may pose a public
health risk. Ingesting water with
bacteria can lead to stomach illness. Infants and toddlers, people over 65,
and people with underlying medical conditions are more likely to have severe
illness that could occur if contaminated beach water is swallowed.
DOHMH does not recommend swimming and bathing in any area
impacted by a Wet Weather Advisory.
Only
certain beaches may be affected by a Wet Weather Advisory.
For a complete list visit
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/beach/beach_adv.shtml#wetweather.
Advisory
Issued to warn the public against swimming and bathing
when bacteria levels or other conditions may contribute to possible illness.
DOHMH does not recommend swimming and bathing in areas
identified as being impacted by an Advisory.
Closed
Beaches will be Closed if weather or environmental
conditions warrant, and if there is a significant threat to public health.
City beaches may be classified as Closed when one or a combination of
any of the following conditions exists:
| Confirmed
samples show that enterococci (bacteria) levels in beach waters
exceed recommended water standards. |
| Test
results indicate a significant incidence of related illnesses or repeated
complaints/reports of illness/injury received from beach patrons. |
| There
are potentially hazardous amounts of floating debris, medical or
infectious waste, toxic contaminants, petroleum products or other
contamination on the beach, or there is evidence of sewage and wastewater
discharge in sufficient quantities that will adversely affect the quality
of the beach water. |
| Any other environmental factors exist which DOHMH determines to be a public health or safety hazard. |
Water Quality Testing
Using EPA
standards, DOHMH tests beach water for the presence of enterocci bacteria.
These microscopic organisms are commonly found in the feces of humans and
other warm-blooded animals. The presence of enterococci in water is an
indication of fecal pollution and the possible presence of enteric
(intestinal) pathogens. Studies
conducted by the EPA demonstrate that for marine waters, enterococci are best
suited for predicting the presence of pathogens that cause illness.
For regularly updated information on beach closures and advisories, go to the Beach Quality and Safety page at http://www.nyc.gov/health/beach, or call 311.
“Women At Risk: The Health of Women in
NEW
YORK CITY – March 8, 2005 – New York City Department of Health and
Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. Frieden today presented
findings from “Women at Risk: The Health of Women in New York City,”
a new report that outlines health behaviors, health care access, and health
outcomes among different economic and racial/ethnic groups of women in New
York City. The
report, which is structured around the ten key areas from Take
Care New York, the City’s health policy,
is available online at http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/pdf/data/data-womenatrisk-2005.pdf.
It was released at a breakfast event at KPMG in
|
Among
the report’s specific findings are:
·
Women in
· Data suggest that women are more obese than men. An estimated 30% of black women, 26% of Hispanic women, 15% of white women, and 10% of Asian women are obese.
·
Hispanic
women and women with low incomes are less likely than most other women to have
health care coverage.
· Black women are more than twice as likely as white women to die from pregnancy-related complications.
· Among women, 27% of years of potential life lost are due to cancer, while cancer is responsible for only 17% of the years of potential life lost among men.
· Nearly one-quarter of women age 40 and older have not received a mammogram in the past two years; fewer than half of women age 50 and over have ever had a colon cancer screening; and 1 in 5 women have not had a Pap test in the past three years. Asian women are least likely to receive colon cancer screenings and Pap tests.
·
The rate of new AIDS diagnoses is 11 times
higher among black women than white women and the rate of AIDS deaths is 7
times higher.
Dr. Frieden was joined at the event by Dr. Harold Freeman, Medical Director of the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention; cardiologist Dr. Nieca Goldberg; Dr. Marjorie Hill, Director of the Women’s Institute at Gay Men’s Health Crisis; Dr. Karen Davis, President of the Commonwealth Fund; and radio personality Valerie Smaldone, of 106.7 Lite-FM. The event focused on three areas of women’s health: cancer, HIV/AIDS, and heart health.
DOHMH
Commissioner Frieden said, “Women’s
health has improved greatly in the past decade, but we can do even better.
The findings of the “Women at Risk” report identify critical
issues, intervention strategies, and particularly vulnerable groups of
women.”
“One of the greatest risks
for women in New York City is not to have access to cancer screening, timely
diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr.
Harold Freeman of the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention.
Cardiologist Dr. Nieca Goldberg
said, “This conference is vital to the health of women in
Dr.
Marjorie Hill of Gay Men’s Health Crisis said, "Gender specific HIV
prevention, care and treatment must take into account the myriad of
psychosocial, economic, human rights and cultural nuances that impact the
lives of women, especially women of color. No woman is an island, but many HIV
positive women feel isolated and alone."
“These findings highlight the critical importance of health care coverage in ensuring access to medical care; too many women are needlessly at risk for preventable illness because they are uninsured,” said Commonwealth
Fund
President Karen Davis. “Improving
coverage for eligible low-income women in Medicaid and Family Health Plus is a
particularly effective way to improve the health of millions of New
Yorkers.”
"The
NYC Commission on Women's Issues continues to focus on the health of women
throughout the city for the very reasons this report cites," said Chair
of the Commission, Anne Sutherland
Fuchs. "We are committed
to keeping the health of women in
Data
Sources
The
report, which was funded by the Commonwealth Fund, is based on a comprehensive
review of health data on
“Women
at Risk: The Health of Women in New York City” is being distributed to
community organizations, elected officials, universities, health care
providers, and others throughout the City.
The report is online at http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/pdf/data/data-womenatrisk-2005.pdf,
or through The Commonwealth Fund website at: http://www.cmwf.org.
To request copies, send an email to womenhealth@health.nyc.gov.
NEW YORK CITY – February 11, 2005 – A highly resistant strain of rapidly progressive human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) has been diagnosed for the first time in a New York City resident
who had not previously undergone antiviral drug treatment, according to the
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).
The strain of three-class antiretroviral-resistant HIV – or 3-DCR HIV
– does not respond to three classes of anti-retroviral medication, and also
appears to greatly shorten the interval between HIV infection and the onset of
AIDS.
The patient is a male in his mid-40s who
reported multiple male sex partners and unprotected anal intercourse, often
while using crystal methamphetamine (crystal meth).
He was first diagnosed with HIV in December 2004 and appears to have
been recently infected. The
diagnosis of 3-DCR HIV was made shortly thereafter at the
While drug resistance is increasingly
common among patients who have been treated for HIV, cases of 3-DCR HIV in
newly-diagnosed, previously untreated patients are extremely rare, and the
combination of this pattern of drug resistance and rapid progression to AIDS
may not have been seen previously. Strains
of 3-DCR HIV are resistant to three of the four available types of antiviral
drugs that are most commonly prescribed: nucleoside reverse transcriptase
inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and protease
inhibitors. This strain also caused a rapid onset of AIDS, which usually
occurs more than ten years after initial infection with HIV.
In this patient’s case, onset of AIDS appears to have occurred within
two to three months, and at most 20 months, after HIV infection.
Health Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden, MD,
MPH said, “This case is a wake-up call.
First, it’s a wake up call to men who have sex with men, particularly
those who may use crystal methamphetamine.
Not only are we seeing syphilis and a rare sexually transmitted disease
– lymphogranuloma venereum – among these men, now we’ve identified this
strain of HIV that is difficult or impossible to treat and which appears to
progress rapidly to AIDS. This
community successfully reduced its risk of HIV in the 1980s, and it must do so
again to stop the devastation of HIV/AIDS and the spread of drug-resistant
strains. Second, doctors in New
York City must increase HIV prevention counseling, increase HIV testing,
obtain drug susceptibility testing for patients testing HIV-positive who have
not yet been treated, improve adherence to antiretroviral treatment, and
improve notification of partners of HIV-infected patients.
Third, the public health community has to improve our monitoring of
both HIV treatment and of HIV drug resistance, and we have to implement
prevention strategies that work.”
The Health Department recently issued a
Health Alert to physicians, hospitals and other medical providers asking them
to test all previously untreated patients newly diagnosed cases for anti-HIV
drug susceptibility. The
Department is monitoring laboratories for additional cases of 3-DCR HIV in
newly diagnosed persons. DOHMH is
also working with
Dr. Frieden added, “Patients
who are on treatment for HIV/AIDS and are doing well do not need
susceptibility testing unless advised to by their physician.”
Dr. David Ho, CEO and Director of the
"The
rapidly growing crystal meth epidemic in
“Callen-Lorde
is deeply concerned about this newly identified case of multiple drug
resistant HIV,” said Jay Laudato, Executive Director of the
Dr.
James Braun, President of the Physicians Research Network, said “We believe
that the transmission of treatment-resistant HIV was a disaster waiting to
happen, particularly in communities where safer sex is not practiced regularly
and in light of people using drugs like crystal meth.
All primary care providers in acute care settings need to know how to
diagnose HIV in its earliest stages and where to refer people so that new
infections are properly worked up and treated.”
“HIV
prevention is an ongoing process,” said Ana Oliveira, Executive Director of
Gay Men’s Health Crisis. We have
to double our efforts and resources to maintain treatment and prevention
education for people who are infected as well as for those who are not.
New Yorkers must be vigilant and know that infection with resistant
strains of HIV can be avoided. People
living with HIV can live healthy and satisfying lives by protecting themselves
and their partners, regardless of HIV status.”
Tokes
M. Osubu, Executive Director of Gay Men of African Descent, said, "This
is the news we have all been fearing. While
the recent advances in HIV treatment have led to the improvement of countless
lives, we have always known that many people respond poorly to these therapies
and for many others, the side effects are devastating.
Continued education about staying safe and avoiding HIV remains our
most potent weapon."
Dr.
Jay Dobkin, Director of the AIDS Program at
"This
case should drive home the point that substance use can lead to unsafe sex,
and unsafe sex can lead to infection with a highly drug-resistant strain of
HIV that can be extraordinarily difficult to treat
and
may cause rapid progression to AIDS," said Roy M. Gulick, MD, Associate
Professor of Medicine at
Dr.
Jack DeHovitz, Professor at
There is an epidemic of HIV and AIDS in
New York City: more than 88,000 New Yorkers are known to be living with
HIV/AIDS, and an estimated 20,000 more are believed to be living with HIV/AIDS
and don’t know it.
By knowing
your HIV status, you can protect yourself, anyone you are having sex with,
and, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, your baby.
Free and fully confidential STD exams and treatment, as well as
confidential or anonymous HIV testing, are available at Health Department
clinics throughout
DOHMH continues to recommend flu shots for
people age 65 and older and others at highest risk of serious illness and
death if they get the flu. DOHMH is reviewing the City’s vaccine supply and
the federal recommendation made last Friday by the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to relax
age guidelines for flu shot eligibility and will make a determination for
“Flu
is now widespread in
Through
monitoring of outbreaks in healthcare facilities (including nursing homes) and
its syndromic surveillance system – which monitors for flu activity among
emergency department visits, local laboratories and physicians’ offices, as
well as sales of over the counter cold/flu medication – DOHMH detected the
increase in flu activity in the City over the past week. Additionally, DOHMH
has identified 21 outbreaks in health care or other institutional facilities
so far this season, nearly twice as many as had been reported by this time
last year.
Dr. Frieden continued, “We now have
adequate supplies of flu vaccine in
Doctors who want to order vaccine can
complete a form available online at nyc.gov/health/flusurvey.
DOHMH will review all requests for flu vaccine. The minimum order is 40 doses
(10 doses per vial), and the cost is approximately $8 per dose. Vaccine
billing and shipment will be handled between the physician and the distributor
directly. Vaccine will be shipped within approximately two weeks of the
request.
**NOTE: This process is not to be used by
providers in the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC).
Providers may request additional influenza vaccine for VFC-eligible
children through the regular channels.**
In order to be able to receive additional
flu vaccine, doctors must be registered with NYCMED, a free, web-based service
offered by DOHMH that allows doctors to
get up-to-date health alert information via email, access to a wealth of
public health information, opportunities for continuing medical education
courses online, and the ability to report diseases and conditions. NYCMED
already has more than 10,000 members to date.
·
People 65 and older;
·
Children 6-23 months of
age;
·
Residents of nursing
homes and chronic-care facilities;
·
People age 6 months and
older with chronic medical conditions, including heart disease, pulmonary
disorders (including asthma), diabetes, kidney disease, hemoglobinopathies,
and compromised immune systems (HIV or immunosuppressive therapy);
·
Women who will be
pregnant (at any gestational age) during the influenza season;
·
Children and adolescents,
age 6 months to 18 years, receiving long-term aspirin therapy;
· Healthcare workers providing direct patient care;
·
Household members and care givers of children under 6 months of
age.
**More vaccine is being shipped to area doctors in the
coming weeks, and New Yorkers are advised to stay in close touch with their
doctor before coming to a City clinic. There are many days, weeks, and months
left in flu season to get vaccinated.
**Only those at highest risk will be able to get a flu shot
· People ages 65 years and older;
· Children 6 -23 months of age;
· People six months of age and older who have serious
underlying medical conditions such as:
. heart failure,
. asthma,
. emphysema,
. coronary artery disease (those with high blood pressure or
high cholesterol are NOT considered at high risk),
. diabetes, or
. weakened immune systems (e.g., those with HIV/AIDS or
cancer or who are on chemotherapy, radiation treatment or high dose steroid
treatment);
· Women who will be pregnant during the flu season;
· Residents of nursing homes and other long-term
facilities;
· Children and teenagers ages 6 months to 18 years who are
on long-term aspirin therapy;
· Caregivers and household members of infants under 6
months; and
· Health care professionals who have direct contact with
patients.
Many physicians and hospitals now have flu vaccine. Please call your doctor first to see if they can provide you with a flu shot.
|
CLINIC |
POPULATION
SERVED |
DAYS/TIMES
OF OPERATION |
TRAVEL DIRECTIONS |
|
|
|
|
|
Btwn:
SPECIAL
NOTE: Location
on Thursday, Dec. 9 is La Guardia Community College Mainstage Theater
(entrance on |
Adults
|
Tuesday,
Dec. 7 at Thursday,
Dec. 9 (see note below) SPECIAL NOTE:
Location on Thursday, Dec. 9 is La Guardia Community College Mainstage
Theater (entrance on
|
#7
train to Go
to location directly, or take free shuttle bus from the DOHMH health
center to this location |
|
90-37
Parsons Blvd - 4th Fl. Queens,
NY 11432 Btwn:
90th
Ave & Jamaica Ave |
Adults
|
Monday, Dec. 6
Friday,
Dec. 10 Opens
8:30 AM |
F,
J or E train to Parsons Boulevard |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Btwn: |
Adults &
Children over 4 years of
age
|
Monday,
Dec. 6 Wednesday,
Dec. 8 Friday,
Dec. 10 Opens
8:30 AM |
#3 or #4
train to |
|
1601
Avenue S – 1st Fl Btwn:
East 16th & E
17th Sts. SPECIAL
NOTE: Location
on Wednesday, Dec. 8 is TBA. |
Adults &
Children over 4 years of
age
|
Wednesday,
Dec. 8 SPECIAL
NOTE: Location
on Wednesday, Dec. 8 is TBA. Opens
8:30 AM |
Q train
to Ave. U or B or Q train to Go
to location directly, or take free shuttle bus from the DOHMH health
center to this location |
Childhood
and school vaccinations will be given at regular clinic times.
Please see nyc.gov/health for the schedule.
Long
Lines
Due
to unprecedented demand for flu shots, people who visit a Health Department
clinic may experience long lines; some people may be asked to return at a later
date to receive the flu shot.
Clinic
Times
While
vaccinations are generally given from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Health Department
clinics may close early for flu shots if daily limits are reached. However, the
Health Department expects to continue providing vaccinations throughout the flu
season as vaccine supplies last.
DOHMH
Immunization Clinic Services and Flu Shots,
call
311 or visit nyc.gov/health/flu.
All
clinics are CLOSED on Tuesday, November 2 for Election Day.
NEW YORK CITY – August 17, 2004 – To reduce
mosquito activity and to control West Nile virus, the New York City Department
of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) will spray pesticide from trucks in the
Rockaways, Queens between 7:30 P.M. on Wednesday, August 18 to 6:00 A.M. on
Thursday, August 19, weather permitting. If weather doesn’t permit,
spraying will commence on the next possible night. The areas to be sprayed are
as follows:
|
Borough |
Neighborhood |
Boundaries
|
Zip Code |
|
Queens |
Arverne/Somerville |
Grass Hassock Channel
and Beach 65th Street and De Costa Avenue to the north; Beach
77th Street to the west; Beach Channel Drive and Arverne
Blvd. to the south; Beach 54th Street to the east. |
11692 |
|
|
Edgemere |
Almeda Avenue, Conch
Basin and Norton Basin (Grass Hassock Channel) to the north; Beach 54th
Street to west; Norton Drive to the east; Arverne Boulevard to the
south. |
11691 |
|
|
Bayswater |
Norton Drive and Norton
Basin to the west; Mott Basin to the north; Dickens Street to the east;
Ocean Crest Boulevard to the south. |
11691 |
|
|
Edgemere Park |
Within the Park |
|
For this application, DOHMH will apply Anvil 10 + 10 (Sumithrin),
a synthetic pyrethroid used in mosquito control efforts. A final Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS), completed by DOHMH in the summer of 2001, found that
there is no significant risk of adverse impact to human health associated with
the proper use of pyrethroids. Go
to http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wnv/feis.html
to read the EIS.
The use of pesticides in New
York City is conducted in accordance with federal Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
(DEC) guidelines.
Because of its proximity to
the Gateway National Recreation Area, spraying in the Rockaways must be done
with greater care. Health
Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH said, “The
decision to spray was based on mosquito surveillance and community complaints
from the affected area. We’ve
worked very closely with residents, community organizations, and elected
officials to come up with this plan. I
was pleased to be granted permission from DEC to address the mosquito nuisance
problem in this community.”
Recent high tides have led
to the irrigation of breeding places in area marshes. Mosquito breeding sites in marsh areas are inaccessible for
ground larviciding operations and contribute to higher adult mosquito
populations in the area. Recently, high populations of Ochlerotatus
solicitans, a day biting nuisance mosquito species, have been
observed in the neighborhoods of Arverne, Somerville, Edgemere and Bayswater, as
well as in Edgemere Park and the Dubos Point Wildlife Sanctuary.
City Council Member James Sanders, Jr., said, “I have worked long and
hard with the Health Department to address this persistent and intense mosquito
problem, which affects the Rockaways and adjacent communities.
This pesticide application should help obtain relief for our residents in
neighborhoods beset with mosquitoes. I applaud the Department for moving quickly
to address the problem and look forward to working with them in the
future."
Jonathan Gaska,
District Manager of Queens Community Board 14, said, "Mosquitoes have
plagued our community for far too long, and August is the worst month of all.
We are extremely grateful that the Department of Health is spraying.
Our residents will finally be able to spend time outdoors, without the
fear of being bitten.”
Sarah Colson, Secretary of the Arverne Civic Association, said
"These neighborhoods have suffered for a long time, so we appreciate the
City making this effort to rid our neighborhood of mosquitoes.
I'm proud of the way community groups such as ours worked with each other
and with the City to make the situation more tolerable for everyone."
| Take personal precautions against mosquito bites: |
| Use an insect repellent containing DEET (follow
manufacturer’s instructions) |
| Wear protective clothing (e.g., long pants,
long-sleeved shirts) if possible, particularly at dusk and dawn |
| Avoid shaded, bushy areas where mosquitoes like to
rest |
| Eliminate any standing water that collects on your
property: |
| Dispose of containers that can collect standing
water |
| Make sure roof gutters drain properly |
| Clean and chlorinate swimming pools |
| Drain water that collects in pool covers |
| Change water in birdbaths every three to four days |
| Turn over plastic wading pools, wheelbarrows and
other items that can collect rainwater and standing water when not in use |
| Remove discarded tires on your property |
| Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites
on their properties |
| Repair or replace all screens that have tears and
holes. |
| Persons with asthma or other respiratory conditions
are encouraged to stay inside during spraying since there is a possibility
that spraying could worsen these conditions. |
| Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap
and water. |
| As always,
rinse fresh fruits and vegetables with water before eating. |
| It is
recommended that food sold or prepared outdoors in the spraying area be
covered with a non-porous material, such as plastic sheeting, during the
spraying event. |
| Air conditioners may remain on. But if you wish to
reduce the possibility of exposure to pesticides, set the air conditioner
vent to the closed position, or choose the “exhaust” function. |
Commissioner Frieden said, “Although we typically do not
see people being infected with the virus until later in the summer, it is never
too early for people to begin to take simple measures to reduce mosquito
breeding and to prevent mosquito bites. New
Yorkers should get rid of standing water and make sure window screens are
installed tightly and are free of tears or holes.
“As the
summer goes on, people over the age of 50 – and especially those over the age
of 65 – should be particularly careful to guard against mosquito bites, as
they are more likely to develop severe complications if infected with
To prevent the spread of
If WNV activity poses an imminent risk to human health,
DOHMH is prepared to spray pesticides to targeted areas to reduce the number of
adult mosquitoes. DOHMH also
inspects properties with areas of standing water that can serve as breeding
grounds for mosquitoes.
DOHMH advises New Yorkers, especially those over 50, to take personal precautions against mosquitoes:
| If outside during the hours between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks. |
| Consider the use of an insect repellent containing DEET and use such products according to manufacturer's directions. |
| Make sure doors and windows have properly-installed, tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes. |
| Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property. |
| Dispose of containers that can collect standing water (e.g., empty garbage containers and lids, buckets, cans, flower pots, items where water collects). |
| Make sure roof gutters drain properly. |
| Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep empty and cover if not in use. |
| Drain water that collects in pool covers. |
| Change water in birdbaths every 3 to 4 days. |
| Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. |
| Remove discarded tires on your property. |
Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties
To
report dead birds online, visit: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wnv/wnvbird.html;
to report standing water online, visit: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wnv/wnvwater.html.
New Yorkers can also call 311 or visit nyc.gov/health/wnv for more
information about
NEW YORK CITY -
June 25, 2004 – To
mark National HIV Testing Day (June 27), New York City Health and Mental Hygiene
Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH urged New Yorkers to get tested for
HIV/AIDS, and to disclose their HIV status to their partners. It is estimated
that more than 20,000 New Yorkers are living with HIV/AIDS but unaware that they
are infected, leaving them without the option of treatment and potentially
putting thousands more at risk of contracting the disease.
Commissioner Frieden said, “
Earlier today, in commemoration of National HIV Testing Day, DOHMH’s
Assistant Commissioner for HIV Services Marjorie Hill, PhD along with the
National Black Commission on AIDS, the Latino Coalition on AIDS, Gay Men’s
Health Crisis, Urban Resource Institute and Housing Works joined Orasure, a
manufacturer of a rapid HIV test at the NASDAQ opening in Times Square earlier
this morning to discuss the importance of knowing your HIV status and disclosing
that information to sexual partners. Additionally, DOHMH’s Assistant
Commissioner for STD Prevention Susan Blank, MD, MPH joined the U.S. Surgeon
General Richard Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS
and Donna Futterman, MD, Director of Montefiore Hospital’s Adolescent AIDS
Program in the
According to the latest Health Department HIV surveillance report from
the first 3 months of 2003 (available online at http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/pdf/dires/dires-2004-report-qtr1.pdf),
85,000 adults have been reported living with HIV/AIDS in
New pediatric HIV/AIDS infections have steadily declined
both nationally and locally in recent years. There have been approximately 3,800
diagnoses of children with HIV/AIDS in
Women
who are pregnant or who are planning pregnancy should know their HIV status.
Without medication, a mother can pass HIV to her baby. Treatment can improve
both the mother’s health and greatly reduce the chance that the baby will get
infected.
Know
Your HIV Status – A “Take Care
Knowing your HIV
status is one of top ten priorities of Take Care New York – the City’s new
comprehensive health policy. While
HIV/AIDS deaths have declined greatly in the past ten years, the disease remains
the fifth leading cause of death among all New Yorkers and the leading cause of
death for New Yorkers ages 25-44. By 2008, the City aims to reduce the annual
AIDS death rate by half.
DOHMH’s 10 STD clinics, located in each of the five boroughs, provide free services, including STD diagnosis and treatment, confidential or anonymous HIV testing, and hepatitis immunizations on a walk‑in basis regardless of immigration status. For physicians, treatment guidelines and other STD information are available at http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/std/std.html. Further information is available by calling 311, visiting nyc.gov/health or from your medical provider.
NEW YORK
CITY - May 28, 2004 – The New York City Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene (DOHMH) today announced that all of the City’s beaches are open for
swimming this Memorial Day weekend. Public
beaches open for swimming include:
Bronx: Orchard Beach (Under Advisory)
Brooklyn: Brighton Beach, Coney Island, Manhattan Beach
Queens: Rockaway Beach
Staten Island: Midland Beach, South Beach, Wolfe's Pond
Park
Orchard
Beach in the Bronx is under an advisory this weekend. When a beach is under
advisory, as a precaution, the Health Department recommends against swimming.
Ingesting water with bacteria can lead to stomach illness. Infants and toddlers,
people over 65, and people with underlying medical conditions are more likely to
have severe illness that could occur if contaminated beach water is swallowed.
Beaches
likely to be affected by heavy rainfall may also be placed under a Wet Weather
Advisory. The beaches will be
closed if weather or environmental conditions warrant, and if there is a
significant threat to public health. Testing
results from all of the City’s beaches will be regularly posted on the DOHMH
website at http://www.nyc.gov/health/beach
Each year,
DOHMH performs regular testing of the City’s 19 public and private beaches to
determine whether waters are safe for swimming. As a result of new Federal
guidelines from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the DOHMH is
implementing new procedures to monitor the water quality of New York City
beaches this summer. Because of the
more stringent criteria that will be used to monitor water quality, it is likely
that throughout the summer, advisory cautions may be posted when conditions
warrant.
Commissioner
Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH said, “Swimming and physical activity on the beach
are great forms of exercise. However, beachgoers are cautioned to swim only when
lifeguards are on-duty and should follow instructions on posted warning signs.
Furthermore, beachgoers should not dive in unfamiliar waters, or where
'No Diving' signs are posted. New
York City beaches are typically safe for swimming. This
summer, the DOHMH has launched a new website to provide New Yorkers with regular
information about beach water quality. Swimming
in contaminated water can pose a health risk therefore, we will issue advisories
about beach conditions when appropriate.”
DOHMH
reminds residents that swimming in the waters surrounding New York City is
permitted only at approved beaches, and is prohibited at all other waterfronts,
including the East River, Harlem River, Hudson River, Upper New York Bay, the
Kill Van Kull, Arthur Kill, and Jamaica Bay, including Howard and Canarsie
Beaches and Broad Channel.
DOHMH
Beach Advisory System
|
OPEN |
Swimming
and bathing permitted |
|
WET WEATHER ADVISORY |
Advisory
– Wet weather conditions; swimming
and bathing not recommended |
|
ADVISORY |
Advisory
– swimming and bathing not recommended |
|
CLOSED |
Closed
– swimming and bathing temporarily not permitted |
Advisory
Descriptions
|
WET WEATHER ADVISORY |
Advisory
– Wet weather conditions; swimming
and bathing not recommended |
A Wet
Weather Advisory is issued following a period of heavy rainfall, which could
lead to sewer overflows and storm runoff (e.g., from City streets and other
properties). That in turn may lead
to elevated levels of bacteria in some beach waters, which may pose a public
health risk. DOHMH does not
recommend swimming and bathing in any area impacted by a Wet Weather Advisory.
Only
certain beaches may be affected by a Wet Weather Advisory.
For a complete list visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/beach/beach_adv.html#wetweather
|
ADVISORY |
Advisory
– swimming and bathing not recommended |
An Advisory
is issued to warn the public against swimming and bathing when bacteria levels
or other conditions may contribute to possible illness. DOHMH does not recommend
swimming and bathing in areas identified as being impacted by an Advisory.
|
CLOSED |
Closed
– swimming and bathing temporarily not permitted |
City
beaches may be classified as Closed when one or a combination of any of
the following conditions exist:
·
Confirmed samples show that enterococci (bacteria) levels
in beach waters exceed recommended water standards.
·
Test results indicate a significant incidence of related illnesses
or repeated complaints/reports of illness/injury received from beach patrons.
·
There are potentially hazardous amounts of floating debris,
medical or infectious waste, toxic contaminants, petroleum products or other
contamination on the beach, or there is evidence of sewage and wastewater
discharge in sufficient quantities that will adversely affect the quality of the
beach water.
·
Any other environmental factors exist which DOHMH determines to be
a public health or safety hazard.
Enterococci
Bacteria
Under
these new procedures, the DOHMH will be testing beach water for the presence of
enterocci bacteria. These microscopic organisms are commonly found in the feces
of humans and other warm-blooded animals. The presence of enterococci in water
is an indication of fecal pollution and the possible presence of enteric
(intestinal) pathogens.
Water Quality and
Associated Health Risks
Studies
conducted by EPA demonstrate that for marine waters, enterococci are best suited
for predicting the presence of pathogens that cause illness. This marks the
first year that the Health Department will use EPA standards when conducting
tests of bathing beach waters. Results
of these tests, as well as the status of the City’s public and private
beaches, will be made available at the online Beach Quality and Safety page at http://healthweb.health.nycnet/dev/dohmh_internet_dev/html/beach/beach.html.
Contact:
(212) 788-5290; (212) 764-7667 (after hours)
Sandra Mullin (smullin@health.nyc.gov)
Sid
Dinsay (sdinsay@health.nyc.gov)
HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES “GOLDEN APPLE” AWARD FOR RESTAURANTS WITH SUPERIOR FOOD SAFETY
