The Westchester County Health Department announced Thursday that this season’s first batches of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in Westchester were found in Rye.
These are the first positives out of 61 batches of mosquitoes collected by the county health department from 30 traps throughout Westchester. The mosquitoes were tested for West Nile Virus by the New York State Department of Health.
“This is a seasonal reminder that mosquitoes thrive in hot water, especially at sunrise and sunset, so be sure to protect yourself and your family by using repellents, especially when many mosquitoes are active,” said Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler. “Apply sunscreen first, and repellent second, and wash them both off before bed.”
Watch this video for tips on how to reduce the mosquito population near you. More information also can be found on the West Nile Virus page.
Throughout the season, the department also traps and tests mosquitoes to track the presence of mosquito-borne viruses.
Symptoms of West Nile include fever, headache, body aches, and joint pain, but can be more serious for people 60 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.
- 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. Mosquitoes do not travel far from a water source.
- Check and remove standing water from children’s toys and playhouses 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.
- 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.
