news release

 

ANDREW J. SPANO, Westchester County Executive

JOSHUA LIPSMAN, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of Health

SUSAN TOLCHIN, Director of Communications

CONTACT: DONNA GREENE (914) 285-2935

MARY LANDRIGAN (914) 637-4715

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30, 2000

 

GROUND SPRAYING SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

One More Bird Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

 

Westchester County today announced ground spraying plans for Friday, September 1, between the hours of 11:30 p.m. and 4:30 a.m., in the communities of: White Plains, Greenburgh (unincorporated portions), Village of Elmsford, Scarsdale, Harrison, Mamaroneck Town (unincorporated portion), New Rochelle and Eastchester. This mosquito spraying is a result of yesterday’s report from the New York State Health Department that a sparrow from White Plains and a crow from Scarsdale have tested positive for West Nile virus. In the event that conditions do not permit the spraying of these communities to be completed on Friday, September 1, spraying is scheduled to be completed on Tuesday, September 5.

A new West Nile virus positive sparrow from White Plains was reported today from the New York State Department of Health in the same vicinity of White Plains. No additional communities need to be sprayed as a result of this latest bird because it is within the boundaries of the communities listed above.

Even if it is raining on a night scheduled for pesticide application, residents in the communities being sprayed are advised to take precautions to avoid exposure to the pesticide. These precautions include closing their windows, turning air conditioners off or setting them to re-circulate indoor air during the times of spraying. Although heavy rains may be occurring during some parts of the spray time, it may still be possible for the spraying contractors to complete their spraying during periods when the rain has diminished.

All County ground spraying operations are subject to the weather and to the availability of specially-equipped spraying vehicles from the contractor. The County will be ground spraying with Anvil, a synthetic pyrethroid that is one of the least toxic pesticides available. The primary ingredient in Anvil is commonly used and found in products that combat fleas and ticks on pets. When Anvil is used to combat West Nile virus, it is used in very low concentrations. Most people will not experience any irritating effects so long as they are not normally sensitive to pesticides, plant pollen, hairspray, petroleum solvents or household cleaning products.

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 eliminating 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 have likely created new sources of standing water. Getting rid of standing water is especially important during late August and September, a peak breeding time 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 and fill 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 since older people are the group most susceptible to serious complications from the virus, that they should try to avoid outdoor areas when and where mosquitoes are most active and feeding. Older people, in particular, should also take personal protection measures to reduce their risk of infection, which includes wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent containing DEET.

Residents are also encouraged to report potential mosquito breeding sites, as well as dead birds, to the Westchester County Department of Health by calling the West Nile Virus Information Line at (914) 637-2420. Residents may also call the Information Line for the most recent information on West Nile virus, or they can visit the Health Department’s website at www.westchestergov.com/health.

-30-