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No Spraying Planned
The Westchester County Health Department has learned that the first mosquito batch this year in Westchester to test positive for West Nile Virus has been identified. The mosquito batch was collected by County Health Department staff in Mount Vernon and sent to New York State Health Department for testing. So far this year, there have been no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in Westchester County.
Last year, there were six positive mosquito batches found in Westchester County and no human cases of West Nile virus reported. Westchester County’s first positive mosquito batch last year was reported on August 19, 2009, consistent with the timing of this year’s findings.
The Health Department will continue mosquito surveillance efforts throughout the county, as well as in the area where the positive mosquito batch was found. These efforts will include mosquito trapping and testing as well as surveying catch basins for mosquito larvae or standing water. The Westchester County Department of Health prepared for the summer mosquito season by applying larvicide to catch basins throughout the County in an effort to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus.
Last month, mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus in New York City, and in Rockland, Nassau and Suffolk counties. New York City reported its first human case of West Nile viral infection for this season on Aug. 5. Given Westchester County’s proximity to these areas, Westchester County Health Department issued a notification last week to remind residents to remove standing water to discourage breeding by mosquitoes that could carry West Nile virus and to use appropriate insect repellants when outside during peak mosquito activity.
Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Archbald said that these findings are not unexpected given that this is peak mosquito season. “It is particularly important that residents remain vigilant in their efforts to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes, which can transmit West Nile Virus and other diseases,” said Dr. Archbald.
The Health Department is recommending that residents:
• Avoid the outdoors in the late afternoon and early evening when mosquitoes are active and feeding and use insect repellents when outdoors during these times. Insect repellants with up to 30% DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) can be used for infants over 2 months of age. Products containing DEET are not recommended for use on children under 2 months of age.
• Wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks when outdoors in areas and at times where and when mosquitoes are active and feeding.
• Check around your property for tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that should be discarded or turned over to prevent collecting water.• Check and remove standing water from children’s toys and play houses left outside
• 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
• Sweep your driveway after it rains so that it is free of puddles
• Keep storm drains and gutters clear of leaves and debris• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor spas and hot tubs and drain water that collects on their covers.
Residents who notice large areas of standing water that could serve as potential mosquito breeding grounds should report this information to the Health Department by calling (914) 813-5000 or emailing the Health Department through its website, www.westchestergov.com/health.
