(To view  and print the Press Releases in pdf format,  you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader from Adobe Systems.  This software is free and you may download it here.)

December 31, 2003: Health Department partners with community organizations to combat public health threats through grant awards. 

December 23, 2003: Westchester County Health Department reminds parents to protect their children with the gift of health through vaccinations.  Flu and whooping cough will be active during the holidays. (pdf format)

December 12, 2003: Flu shots to be prioritized for high-risk people. Westchester County Department of Health scheduling an additional clinic for high-risk people. (pdf Format)

December 10, 2003: Tuberculosis case in Claremont School. Health Department to test students free of charge.

December 1, 2003: County observes World AIDS Day with weeklong activities.

  December 1, 2003: It's not too late to get a flu shot! Health Department Identifies first flu cases of the season.

October 28, 2003: Tickborne disease precautions still necessary during fall months. (pdf format)

October 3, 2003: Pertussis (Whooping cough) outbreak in Cortlandt and Peekskill.  Health Department encouraging timely childhood vaccination; suspect cases should consult a physician.  (pdf)

September 24, 2003: It's time for those flu shots again!  The Westchester County Health Department launches a new season of flu-shot clinics.

September 19, 2003:  Westchester County unveils new Heart Program for Women.  County to work with American Heart Association on campaign about women and heart disease.

September 19, 2003: First human case of West Nile Virus in Westchester County this year. First horse in Westchester to die with West Nile Virus. No spraying planned; surveillance increase.  (pdf format)

September 9, 2003: Bats may be deadlier than you think: A reminder from the Westchester County Health Department. (pdf format)

August 26, 2003: Two more batches of mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus.  No spraying planned; surveillance will be increased.  (pdf format)

August 18, 2003: One more batch of mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus.  No spaying planned; surveillance will be increased. (pdf format)

August 18, 2003: Westchester Beach Closing. (pdf format)

August 16, 2003: Westchester beaches to reopen. (pdf format)

August 4, 2003: Three more batches of mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus.  One batch from the City of Rye and two from Mount Vernon.  No Spraying planned; surveillance will be increased. (pdf format)

August 4, 2003: Mosquito pool collected in the City of Rye tests positive for West Nile Virus. No spraying planned; surveillance will be increased. (pdf format)

July 30, 2003: If you want to put the Health Department out of business, wash your hands. (pdf format)

July 18, 2003: Hudson Park Beach will reopen tomorrow. (pdf format)

July 17, 2003: Mamaroneck Harbor Beaches to be reopened tomorrow. (pdf format)

July 11, 2003: Westchester Beach Closings.  (pdf format)

July 10, 2003: Spring S.T.I.N.G. events are a huge success to combat West Nile Virus. Larvicide application program complete. (pdf format)

July 8, 2003: Third case of possible SARS reported in Westchester County.  No specific actions need to be taken by the public. (pdf format)

June 26, 2003: Rabid Cat in North Salem.  (pdf format)

June 26, 2003: Ozone Advisory issued for June 26, 3003 - Residents Urged to Take Precautions Against Heat Stress.  Read Press Release. (pdf format)

June 25, 2003: Mosquito control efforts necessary for summer months.  Elimination of standing water is a priority. (pdf format).

June 23, 2003: Westchester Health Department warns petroleum storage facilities to get with the program or pay the consequences.  (pdf format)

June 17, 2003: Playland to host 3rd annual "School's Out Smoke out" June 21. (pdf format)

June 11, 2003: Westchester County First Deputy Commissioner of Health receives prestigious public health award. (pdf)

June 5, 2003: County to host Spring S.T.I.N.G. Weekend & Household Chemical Clean-Up days on June 6 & 7.  (pdf format)

May 30, 2003: Spano and Legislators reminds public that Westchester's tough work place anti-smoking law takes effect Wednesday.  (pdf format).

May 30, 2003: No evacuations needed in area around propane truck accident on I-684.  (pdf format).

May 29, 2003: Westchester wins first prize! (pdf format)

May 23, 2003:  Potentially Rabid Raccoon in Larchmont    (pdf format)

May 21, 2003:  Initiatives against West Nile virus continue in 2003 in Westchester County.  First West Nile Positive Bird Reported. Residents Encouraged to Report Standing Water & Dead Birds. Catch Basin Larviciding Underway (pdf format)

May 14, 2003:  Rabid raccoon in Sleepy Hollow. (pdf format)  

May 9, 2003:Tickborne Disease Awareness Week.  
(PDF format)

May 8, 2003:  Chemical Clean-Up day removes more than 5,000 pounds of chemicals.  County's Spring STING gets residents to turn in 975 old tires. (PDF format).

May 6, 2003:  County to hold annual water tasting contest May 7.  National drinking water week observed, May 4-10. (PDF format).

April 30, 2003: County to host Spring S.T.I.N.G. Weekend & Household Chemical Clean-up days on May 2 and 3.   (PDF format).

April 28, 2003: Second case of possible SARS reported in Westchester County. No specific actions need to be taken by the public.  (PDF format).

April 25, 2003: Westchester County prepared to handle SARS cases. Health commissioner outlines county response plan. (PDF format)

April 24, 2003: Health Department to observe National Minority Cancer Awareness Week.

April 21, 2003: Westchester County Board of Health actively seeks public comment on proposed amendment of sanitary code, Article XXI

April 7, 2003: County Executive Spano to lead award ceremony and 30-minute power walk marking National Public Health Week in Westchester County.

April 2, 2003: First case of SARS reported in Westchester County. No specific action required by residents.

April 2, 2003: Public Hearing on preventing childhood obesity to be held in White Plains.

April 2, 2003: Health Department focuses on SARS. No specific measures public needs to take at this point.

February 21, 2003: Health Department advises homeowners to take precautions against flooding.

February 19, 2003: Rabid cat in Peekskill.

February 13, 2003: Westchester County Vigilant during heightened state of alert.  County working with federal, state and local authorities to prepare in case of terror incident.

January 17, 2003: In wake of mercury spill at Medical Center, Spano renews push for tough legislation to ban mercury-containing devices. County police announce arrest of "reckless" contractor.

January 14, 2003: Homeowners urged to care for their septic systems.  Septic manual available for homeowners.

January 3, 2003: Westchester County Health Department reminds residents it is not too late to get your flu shots. (pdf)