West Nile mosquitoes found in Westchester

WHITE PLAINS – The season’s first two batches of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in Westchester County have been identified in Yonkers.
The area around the positive mosquito batches was inspected by the state health department, which has treated nearby catch basins to protect against further mosquito breeding nearby.
“Mosquitoes are often thought of as merely a nuisance but they can carry serious diseases, including West Nike virus,” said County Executive George Latimer. “With more rain expected this week, it’s important to remember we can keep mosquitoes from breeding and biting us in our own backyards if we pour out standing water after it rains and remove or turn over wheelbarrows and watering cans.”
To date, these are the first two positive batches out of 134 batches of mosquitoes collected in the county that were tested for West Nile by the state health department.
“The summer months are when we expect to find mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus here,” said County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler. “Besides removing standing water around your home, to protect yourself and your family when you spend time outdoors, it’s a good idea to use repellents, especially from dawn to dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.”