New York's Zika prevention plan targets standing water in subways, parks

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With global health officials continuing to gather information about the Zika virus, state leaders such as Gov. Andrew Cuomo are stepping forward and being proactive in protecting New York.

The major outbreak, which began in Brazil, last year has spread to many countries, including the United States. Most recently, four non-travel-related Zika cases were documented in southern Florida.

At a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Cuomo outlined a prevention plan. He said the Department of Health will work with every state agency it needs to. One part of the approach with the Health Department is making larvicide, an insecticide, available free of charge to home owners.

The next focus is on transportation and public parks. Cuomo said standing puddles of water on subway tracks could be a breeding ground for mosquitos. He also said standing water in state parks is a breeding ground, too.

According to the MTA, 6 million people take the subway every day; another reason why officials said this prevention plan is necessary.

The MTA does plans to roll out more preventative measures for bus riders and those that ride the Long Island Rail Road.