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) 995-2932

MARY LANDRIGAN (914) 813-5013

(914) 813-5000 (After Hours)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 4, 2003

MOSQUITO POOL COLLECTED IN THE CITY OF RYE TESTS POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS

No Spraying Planned; Surveillance will be increased

The Westchester County Department of Health today received notification from the New York State Department of Health that a mosquito pool found in the City of Rye has tested positive for the West Nile virus. The positive mosquito pool was collected for testing on July 23. This is the first positive mosquito pool found in Westchester County this year. No spraying is planned at this time.

Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua Lipsman said although this finding is not unexpected, it does serve as a reminder that residents need to take personal protection measures against mosquito bites while in their homes and when spending time outdoors.

“It is particularly important that residents remain vigilant in their efforts to reduce their risk of West Nile virus during the late summer months because this is peak mosquito season,” said Dr. Lipsman. Dr. Lipsman recommends that residents take the following personal protection measures against mosquito bites:

· Avoid being outdoors in places and during times where and when mosquitoes are active and feeding.

• Use insect repellants with no more than 30% DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) when outdoors in such areas at those times. Use 10% or less DEET for children. Do not use DEET on infants. Insect repellants should be used especially at dusk and evening hours when mosquitoes are most likely to bite. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
• Wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks when outdoors in areas and at times where and when mosquitoes are active and feeding.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

MORE

WNV POSITIVE MOSQUITO POOL P.2

“It is also important that residents do their part to reduce potential mosquito breeding sites around their homes,” Dr. Lipsman said. “Mosquitoes capable of carrying West Nile virus lay their eggs in stagnant water. The eggs can develop in any pool or puddle of untreated water that stands undisturbed for more than four days,” he warned. The County Health Department recommends doing the following around your home:

· Rid your property of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers

· Remove discarded tires

· Drill holes in the bottoms of all recycling containers that are left outdoors

• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use
• Change the water in birdbaths at least twice weekly
• Sweep your driveway after it rains so that it is free of puddles
• Keep storm drains and gutters clear of leaves and debris
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor spas and hot tubs and drain water that collects on their covers.

For additional information about West Nile virus prevention, residents can call the Health Department’s Public Health Information Line at (914) 813-5609 or visit its website, www.westchestergov.com/health.

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