Overview
- City data released Friday show about 850 West Nile–positive mosquito pools so far this season, roughly double the count at the same point in 2025.
- The Health Department has expanded trapping and testing and started helicopter larvicide drops over nonresidential wetlands along with targeted truck-based adulticide runs in selected neighborhoods.
- Positive detections are found across the city but are concentrated in Queens (about 43% of positives) and Staten Island (about 33%), and the agency waits for two consecutive positive pools plus high biting counts before launching truck spraying.
- No human West Nile cases have been reported in New York City this season, yet officials warn older adults face the greatest risk and advise emptying standing water weekly, using EPA-registered repellent, and avoiding dawn and dusk outdoors.
- Health officials note the spike mirrors a national uptick, with human cases already reported elsewhere, and say mosquito activity now could presage more infections during the usual late August–September peak so residents should expect ongoing surveillance and control operations.