Up Close with Bill Ritter: Dr. Jay Varma on the power of mask wearing – ABC7 New York

As summer approached in 2016, concerns around the Zika virus loomed large for public health authorities. On this episode of Up Close, Bill Ritter speaks with Dr. Jay Varma, New York City’s Deputy Health Commissioner for Disease Control, about the city’s proactive plans to combat the Zika virus.

At the time, Zika had not been widely transmitted within the U.S., but travel-related cases were increasing. New York City responded by committing over $14 million across three years to mosquito control, surveillance, and public education. Dr. Varma discussed how the city was tracking infections, reducing mosquito populations, and preparing for the possibility of local transmission.

 

A Preemptive Strike Against Zika in NYC

By 2016, the Zika virus had become a global health concern, particularly due to its link to severe birth defects like microcephaly. While most U.S. cases were travel-related, the threat of local mosquito-borne transmission remained real.

Dr. Jay Varma joined Up Close to explain how New York City—known for its density, global travel connections, and diverse population—was preparing. The city planned a multi-year, $14 million investment to monitor mosquito populations, enhance testing capacity, and track new infections.

“The goal,” Dr. Varma said, “is to reduce the mosquito population, which carries and transmits the virus.”

This strategy reflected both urgency and foresight, aiming to prevent the kind of widespread transmission seen in parts of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Surveillance, Travel Risk, and Public Education

Dr. Varma emphasized that most cases in NYC were linked to travel to Zika-endemic regions. The city responded with:

• Enhanced screening and diagnostics for returning travelers
• Public campaigns educating people—especially pregnant individuals—about the risks
• Real-time tracking of infections, allowing officials to identify and contain potential clusters

New Yorkers were encouraged to take precautions when traveling, avoid mosquito bites, and get tested if returning from affected areas.

The Science and Scope of Prevention

Zika prevention isn’t just about public messaging—it’s a layered strategy. Dr. Varma detailed several fronts:

• Mosquito control through larvicide treatment and public cleanup
• Community outreach in vulnerable neighborhoods
• Collaboration with federal agencies like the CDC

At its core, the city’s strategy was evidence-based and community-focused, recognizing that success depended on both strong public health infrastructure and informed citizens.

A Broader Message: Public Health Is Preparedness

This episode wasn’t just about Zika. It was a glimpse into how public health leaders like Dr. Varma balance science, logistics, and communication in fast-moving situations. The Zika virus tested the system—but it also showcased the value of long-term investment in health preparedness.

And while Zika didn’t ultimately spread widely in New York, the city’s response became a template for future outbreaks, including what would later be seen during COVID-19.

🎥 Interview: Up Close: Fighting the Zika Virus