County Health Department Reminds Residents to Remove Standing Water and Take Other Precautions Against Mosquitoes
On Sept. 1, Westchester County stated it had learned of its first positive human case of West Nile Virus this year, which was a confirmed in a Yonkers resident who had recently traveled outside the county.
Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “This first case of West Nile Virus is a reminder to take precautions to protect yourself from mosquitos. To avoid breeding mosquitos in your own yard, remove all standing water around your home after it rains, and use repellents when you spend time outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.”
West Nile Virus most often causes a mile or moderate flu-like illness, but can be more serious, especially for people age 65 and older, and those with underlying medical conditions.
Westchester County Department of Health staff will work with the resident to determine whether the exposure may have occurred during travel outside the county or closer to home.
Residents should walk around their property and remove any standing water to prevent mosquitos from breeding. Check flowerpot 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.
Throuughout 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.westchestercountyny.gov/west-nile-virus