County Health Department Reminds Residents to Remove Standing Water and Use Repellents
Westchester County has learned of its first positive human case of West Nile Virus this year, which was confirmed in a Yonkers man.
Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “This first case of West Nile Virus should remind all of us to remove standing water around our homes every time after it rains, and use repellents when we spend time outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.”
The Westchester County Department of Health will evaluate the nearby area for standing water around the resident’s home and nearby catch basins, and treat those with larvicide as needed.
Residents should walk around their property and remove any standing water to prevent mosquitos from breeding. Check flower pot drip trays, kiddie pools, play equipment and other items left outdoors. Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property should report them to the County Health Department at (914) 813-5000.
Throughout the season, the County Health Department traps and tests mosquitoes to track the presence of viruses they carry. For more ideas on how to reduce the mosquito population near your home, go to https://health.westchestergov.com/west-nile-virus
West Nile Virus most often causes a mild or moderate flu-like illness, with fever, headache, body aches and joint pain but can be more serious, especially for people age 65 and older, and those with underlying medical conditions.
Tips to Avoid West Nile:
- Avoid the outdoors at dusk when mosquitoes are active and feeding. Use insect repellents and follow the label instructions.
- Adults can use insect repellents with up to 30 percent DEET on infants over two months of age by applying the product to their own hands and then rubbing it onto their children, avoiding their children’s hands, eyes and mouth.
- When sitting outdoors, run a fan. The breeze it creates will help repel mosquitos.
- Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks when outdoors, especially in areas where mosquitoes are active and feeding.
· Check around your property for anything that can hold water, and pour it out or put it away. Mosquitos don’t travel far from a water source.
· 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.
· Continue to 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.
