New York’s plan to prevent Zika needs everyone’s help

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is striking the right balance in fighting the Zika virus by expressing concern while avoiding hysteria. His plan sensibly aims to reduce the risk of an outbreaks like those wreaking havoc in South and Central America. And it splits responsibility between government agencies and individuals.

Zika has raised alarms due to its apparent connection to microcephaly, a birth defect that causes abnormally small heads and brain damage in babies. It’s also been linked to a rare disease that can cause temporary paralysis. The mosquito that carries Zika is not found in the region, but a cousin makes up 3 percent to 5 percent of New York’s mosquitoes. Though it is not known whether the cousin can transmit Zika, it’s wise to be prepared.

To that end, the state will distribute 100,000 larvicide tablets that kill mosquitoes in the standing water in which they breed; collect and test mosquitoes for Zika; deploy a rapid response team for any transmission; require local health departments to draw up action plans; and launch a public awareness campaign. The state also will dole out free protection kits to pregnant women in the downstate target region, including Long Island. The kits include tablets, insect repellent and condoms, because Zika can be transmitted via unprotected sex with someone who has the virus. Each of New York’s more than four dozen Zika cases involved someone who traveled to a Zika outbreak area; the state offers free testing for pregnant women who took such a trip or whose partner did.

Just as important are easy tasks the state asked all of us to do: Wear long sleeves during mosquito season, use repellent and empty standing water from flower pots, clogged gutters and children’s toys. Those are minimal actions to minimize the risk of a potential scourge we all could do without.— The editorial board