Harold N. Adel, MD, MPH
      Commissioner
      Department of Health

Andrew J. Spano
County Executive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  FOR MORE INFORMATION

September 21, 1999                                  Contact Mary Landrigan

Third Case of St. Louis Encephalitis           (914) 637-4715
Confirmed in Westchester

The Westchester County Department of Health today confirmed a third case of St. Louis encephalitis in a Westchester County resident. A fourth case, which was previously identified as highly probable, is undergoing further testing. One confirmed case is from Mount Vernon, and two confirmed cases are from Yonkers (one with a Bronxville mailing address). The probable case is from Port Chester.

In consultation with the New York City Health Department, the New York State Health Department, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Westchester County has identified two areas for aerial spraying later this week:

The area south of I-287 from the Hudson River to the Long Island Sound to the Bronx border, and

The area of Port Chester, Rye Brook, and Harrison bounded by the Connecticut border, the Hutchinson River Parkway, and the Long Island Sound.

Spraying will begin Thursday evening at 7:00 pm in the municipalities of Yonkers, Pelham, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Pelham Manor to the Cross County Parkway. Additional schedules for spraying will be announced shortly.

"Optimal application of insecticides requires specific weather conditions (no rain, little wind). Therefore, the timing of the pesticide spraying is dependent upon weather conditions and will be publicized as soon as it is available," stated Dr. Harold N. Adel, Commissioner of Health for Westchester County.

In keeping with Westchester County's commitment to integrated pest management, the Health Department will be utilizing Anvil (sumithrin), among the least toxic pesticides available for this purpose. Sumithrin is a pyrethroid insecticide. This synthetic pyrethroid is similar to the natural pyrethrin pesticides found in chrysanthemums. Some types of pyrethroids are commonly used in over-the-counter ant and roach sprays. Because pyrethroids resemble plant products, they do have a slight potential to aggravate allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever.

"Although no pesticide can be considered completely harmless, this is among the safest types of pesticides available for the task. Residents should not experience any ill effects from this spraying. However, since some people are particularly sensitive to exposure to plants, pollens, or pesticides, we recommend that everyone avoid unnecessary exposure to this product. The spraying will take place beginning 7:00 pm to minimize the exposure to area residents.

"To minimize exposure, residents can keep their windows closed and either turn off their air conditioners or adjust them so they re-circulate the room air for several hours following the spraying," stated Dr. Adel. "The insecticide being used dissipates very readily. After several hours, only minimal amounts of the product should be discernable," he noted.

The schedule for pesticide spraying will be publicized as soon as it is available. As an extra precaution, residents can remove children's toys and pets' feeding bowls from outdoor areas prior to the spraying. Any residues are easily removed with soap and water.

Additional information on St. Louis encephalitis and on mosquito spraying is found on the Westchester County Health Department Website, www.westchestergov.com/health. The St. Louis Encephalitis Hotline, 285-2032, is being activated today between the hours of noon - 10:00 pm, and between 10:00 am - 10:00 pm on Wednesday, September 22 through Friday, September 24, 1999.

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