FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 19, 2005

MOSQUITO BATCHES COLLECTED IN MOUNT VERNON & NEW ROCHELLE

TEST POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS

No Spraying Planned; Surveillance Will Be Increased

The Westchester County Department of Health has received notification from the New York State Department of Health that two mosquito batches found in Mount Vernon and one mosquito batch found in New Rochelle have tested positive for the West Nile virus. The positive mosquito batches were all collected for testing on August 9. This brings the total number of positive mosquito batches found in Westchester County this year up to six.

The Health Department will increase mosquito surveillance and control efforts in the areas where the positive batches of mosquitoes were found. These efforts will include re-surveying catch basins for mosquito larvae or standing water, as well as identifying and treating any other areas of standing water that exist. If mosquito larvae or mosquito breeding areas are found, they will be immediately addressed. No spraying is planned at this time.

Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua Lipsman said these findings are to be expected at this time of the year. “It is particularly important that residents remain vigilant in their efforts to reduce their risk of West Nile virus during the late summer months because this is peak mosquito season,” said Dr. Lipsman. “These findings should serve as a reminder that residents need to take personal protection measures against mosquito bites while in their homes and when spending time outdoors.” Dr. Lipsman recommends that residents take the following precautions:

· Avoid being outdoors in places and during times where and when mosquitoes are active and feeding.

Use insect repellants with no more than 30% DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) when outdoors in such areas at those times. Products containing DEET are not recommended for use on children under 2 months of age. Insect repellants should be used especially at dusk and evening hours when mosquitoes are most likely to bite. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
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.

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WNV POSITIVE MOSQUITO POOL P.2

Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

“It is also important that residents do their part to reduce potential mosquito breeding sites around their homes,” Dr. Lipsman said. “Mosquitoes capable of carrying West Nile virus lay their eggs in stagnant water. The eggs can develop in any pool or puddle of untreated water that stands undisturbed for more than four days,” he warned. The County Health Department recommends doing the following around your home:

· Rid your property of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers

· Remove discarded tires

· Drill holes in the bottoms of all recycling containers that are left outdoors

Turn over plastic wading pools 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.

West Nile Virus is a disease carried by mosquitoes. Symptoms of West Nile virus infection occur within five to fifteen days following the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile virus infection can cause serious illness and even be fatal, especially in people who are 50 years of age and older. However, most people who are infected have no symptoms or may experience a fever and headache before fully recovering. More serious infections result in high fever, headache, confusion, muscle aches and weakness, or seizures.

Under County Executive Andy Spano's mosquito control program, Operation Mosquito S.T.I.N.G. (Stop The Insect's Next Generation), the County has applied larvicide to catch basins countywide to kill immature mosquitoes. 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 online through its internet site, www.westchestergov.com/health. Residents should also keep current with research on alternative insect repellents by visiting the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov.

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