West Nile virus mosquitoes found in Westchester

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(photo: EPA)

WHITE PLAINS – The first batch of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in Westchester County has been identified in Mamaroneck.

The health department has treated nearby basins to protect against future mosquito breeding nearby.

This is the first positive out of 195 batches of mosquitoes collected in the county that were tested for the virus by the state health department.

Last year, the first positive batch was collected in Westchester on July 24.

Statewide, 361 positive mosquito batches were identified as of August 30, including 266 in New York City.

To reduce the chances for mosquitoes to breed and bite around your home, follow these tips:

  • Avoid the outdoors in the late afternoon and early evening when mosquitoes are active and feeding; use insect repellents when outdoors during these times and follow the label instructions.
  • To protect infants over two months of age, adults can apply insect repellents with up to 30 percent DEET to their own hands and then rub it onto their children. Products containing DEET are not recommended for use on children under two months of age.
  • Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks when outdoors, especially in areas where mosquitoes are active and feeding.
  • Discard or turn over cans, plastic containers and ceramic pots outside your home to avoid accumulating
  • Remove standing water from outdoor toys and play houses.
  • Remove discarded tires.
  • Drill holes in the bottoms of all recycling containers that are left outdoors.
  • Turn over plastic wading pools, buckets and wheelbarrows when not in use.
  • Change the water in birdbaths at least twice weekly.
  • Keep storm drains and gutters clear of leaves and debris.
  • Chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor spas and hot tubs until properly winterized or drained for the season.  Also, if not chlorinated, drain any water that collects on their covers.
  • Avoid the outdoors in the late afternoon and early evening when mosquitoes are active and feeding; use insect repellents when outdoors during these times and follow the label instructions.
  • To protect infants over two months of age, adults can apply insect repellents with up to 30 percent DEET to their own hands and then rub it onto their children. Products containing DEET are not recommended for use on children under two months of age.
  • Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks when outdoors, especially in areas where mosquitoes are active and feeding.
  • Discard or turn over cans, plastic containersand ceramic pots outside your home to avoid accumulating
  • Remove standing water from outdoor toys and play houses.
  • Remove discarded tires.
  • Drill holes in the bottoms of all recycling containers that are left outdoors.
  • Turn over plastic wading pools, buckets and wheelbarrows when not in use.
  • Change the water in birdbaths at least twice weekly.
  • Keep storm drains and gutters clear of leaves and debris.
  • Chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor spas and hot tubs until properly winterized or drained for the season.  Also, if not chlorinated, drain any water that collects on their covers.

 




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