news release
ANDREW J. SPANO, Westchester County Executive  JOSHUA LIPSMAN, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of Health SUSAN TOLCHIN, Director of Communications

 

CONTACT:    SUSAN TOLCHIN                                                                            (914) 285-2932

                        VALERIE GOLDSTEIN                                                                  (914) 637-4715

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                August 9, 2000

 

August 8 Ground Spraying Operation Completed

 

Ground spraying was completed last night, Tuesday, August 8, in all of the communities that were scheduled for spraying.  At this time, there are no plans to spray any other areas of Westchester County.  The communities that were sprayed last night are: Briarcliff Manor, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings, Both the Town and Village of Ossining, and a small section of southern White Plains that was not sprayed on Aug. 2.  Future ground spraying will depend on results of any new positive developments.

 

Westchester County Commissioner of Health, Joshua Lipsman, M.D., M.P.H., is urging all residents to be vigilant about taking personal protection measures and to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites around their homes.  Personal mosquito protection measures include wearing shoes, socks, long pants and a long sleeved shirt so that a minimal amount of skin is exposed and vulnerable to mosquito bites, and considering the use of an insect repellent containing DEET according to label directions.

 Residents are also urged to intensify their efforts to eliminate possible mosquito-breeding sites around their homes.  

“The heavy amounts of rainfall we received over the past few weeks has likely created new sources of standing water. Getting rid of standing water is especially important during August, which is one of the peak breeding times for the mosquito,” said Dr. Lipsman.  Residents are asked to re-inspect areas around their homes to remove water from cans, jars, old tires, clogged roof gutters, yard decorations, or any other outdoor containers; remove any standing water from the basement; clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs regularly; make sure that rainwater does not collect on pool, sauna or hot tub covers; and keep outdoor trash containers covered so that rainwater will not collect inside them and filling in hollow tree stumps and rot holes that hold water with either sand or concrete.  

 “While the vast majority of people who are infected with West Nile virus have either no symptoms, or mild symptoms, the State Health Department advises that people who are most susceptible to the virus should try to avoid the outdoors  when mosquitoes are most active and feeding. This includes older residents, young children, those with chronic illness or those taking medications that impair the immune system. These groups, especially, should take personal protection measures to reduce the risk of infection, the State Health Commissioner reports.

 

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