WHITE PLAINS – The Westchester County Health Department has learned that this season’s first batch of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in Westchester was identified in Rye. The area surrounding the positive mosquito batches is being inspected by the health department and catch basins that need it are being treated to protect against further mosquito breeding nearby.
“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, flower pot drip trays and any toy pails or watering cans,” said County Executive George Latimer.
To date, this is the first positive out of 101 batches of mosquitoes collected in Westchester that were tested for West Nile virus by the State Department of Health. It was collected on July 26. Last year, the first positive batch in Westchester was collected in Westchester on July 13.
“To protect yourself and your family when you spend time outdoors, use repellents, especially from dawn to dusk, when mosquitoes are most active,” said County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler.
Throughout the season, the health department traps and tests mosquitoes to track the presence of mosquito-borne viruses in the county. Last year, West Nile virus was identified in four local mosquito batches out of 153submitted for testing and three people were diagnosed with the virus.
West Nile virus infection most often causes a mild or moderate flu-like illness but can be more serious particularly for people 60 and older, and those with other health complications.
