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City Will Spray Upper West Side With Pesticides in Effort to Combat West Nile Virus

West Side Rag • August 31, 2026 • health

Key Points:

The New York City Health Department will spray low concentrations of pesticides across the majority of the Upper West Side on Wednesday to reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile Virus.
Spraying will occur from approximately 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m., covering areas from 59th to 178th streets on both the west and east sides of Manhattan.
The pesticide used, Duet, is EPA-registered and considered low risk for people and pets, though some individuals may experience temporary irritation or mild rashes.
NYC Health Commissioner Alister F. Martin emphasized that surveillance data guides targeted interventions and urged New Yorkers to remain cautious about mosquito bites during outdoor activities.