The Westchester County Department of Health advises residents to prevent mosquito bites after both Rockland County and New York City reported that batches of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The mosquitoes were collected in Clarkstown, Queens and Staten Island. While no mosquitoes found in Westchester County have tested positive for the virus to date, this is the time of year when the Health Department expects to find them.
"Given the fact that our neighbors have reported positive mosquitoes, it is safe to assume that mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are also present here in Westchester County," said Commissioner of Health Sherlita Amler, M.D. "The recent rain we've had also provides optimal breeding conditions for mosquitoes that can carry the virus. I urge all residents to remove standing water from their property and to take personal protective measures against mosquito bites when spending time outdoors."
Last year, seven positive mosquito batches were found in Westchester County and two human cases of West Nile Virus were reported. The Health Department has sent more than 40 batches of mosquitoes for testing since it began collecting them in early June, and will continue collecting batches of mosquitoes throughout the season.
As part of its integrated pest management strategy, the Health Department evaluated more than 53,000 catch basins. Of those, nearly 40,000 that held standing water have been treated with larvicide, and this work is nearly completed. The department also gave away 400 pounds of free minnows to property owners with ponds. The minnows reduce the mosquito population by feeding on larvae and pupae before they emerge into adult mosquitoes. Once positive pools are identified, the Department will also send out inspectors to try to locate and eradicate any standing water. If needed, storm drains in the area also would be retreated with larvicide.
To help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds:
- Remove standing water around your home. After it rains, walk around and look for toys, flower pots or similar water-holding containers that should be overturned or put inside to avoid collecting water.
- Cover outdoor trash containers to keep rainwater from accumulating inside.
- Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are left outdoors.
- Clean roof gutters and remove standing water from flat roofs.
- Drain water in birdbaths, plant pots and drip trays twice a week.
- Sweep driveways after it rains so they are free of puddles.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.
- Avoid being outdoors in places and during times where and when mosquitoes are active and feeding.
- Use insect repellents with no more than 30 percent DEET, but use them sparingly and with care.
- Select the lowest concentration effective for the amount of time spent outdoors.
- DEET should only be applied once a day. Repellents with a concentration of 10 percent are effective for about two hours, and those with a concentration of 24 percent offer about five hours of protection. Repellents containing DEET are not recommended for use on children under two months of age. Carefully read and follow the package directions, and wash treated skin when mosquito exposure has ended.
- Wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks when outdoors and at times when mosquitoes are active.
- Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property should report this to the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000 or by email atwww.westchestergov.com/health.