Andrew J. Spano
County Executive

October 21, 1999

Encephalitis Hotline Continued until 4:30 PM 10/22

Contact Mary Landrigan

(914) 637-4715

The Westchester County Department of Health today announced that it will continue to operate the Encephalitis Hotline until tomorrow afternoon, October 22, 1999, 4:30 p.m. After that time, questions regarding West Nile-like virus should be directed to the Westchester County Department of Health main line, (914) 813-5000 during normal working hours, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Public health emergencies will continue to be handled through the 24-hour per day public health complaint line, 813-5000.

"The volume of calls coming into the Encephalitis Hotline has decreased to only 57 calls a day," stated Dr. Harold N. Adel, Westchester County Commissioner of Health. "Therefore, calls will now be directed to our main line, 813-5000. Anyone calling our main line will still be able to speak with qualified health professionals concerning West Nile-like encephalitis."

"Although the epidemic appears to winding down, protective measures should still be taken to prevent mosquito bites," Dr. Adel continued. "Communities where dead birds are found are still recognized by the Centers for Disease Control as areas where West Nile-like virus may be transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Residents should continue protective measures until at least several hard frosts have killed the mosquitoes."

Updated information on West Nile-like virus will continue to be posted on the Westchester County Department of Health Website, www.westchestergov.com.

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