news release
ANDREW J. SPANO, Westchester County Executive JOSHUA LIPSMAN, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of Health SUSAN TOLCHIN, Director of Communications

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 1, 2005

COUNTY TO INCREASE SURVEILLANCE EFFORTS ON WESTCHESTER/BRONX BORDER

Mosquito Control Efforts Necessary for Summer Months

Westchester County Department of Health announced today that it will increase surveillance for West Nile virus following the identification of several West Nile virus positive mosquito batches by New York City Department of Health. The positive mosquito batches were located close to the Westchester/Bronx border. Increased surveillance efforts will include additional mosquito trapping and testing along our border with New York City and re-surveying the catch basins and neighborhoods in closest proximity to where the New York City positive mosquito batches were found for mosquito larvae or standing water. If mosquito larvae or mosquito breeding areas are found, they will be immediately addressed.

“It’s the height of the West Nile virus season and we need residents to help by playing an active role in mosquito control efforts in and around their properties,” stated Dr. Joshua Lipsman, Commissioner of Health. “Even though the County’s mosquito control efforts have been successful in quelling the mosquito population thus far, it is still important that we all remain vigilant in our efforts to reduce the risk of West Nile virus. This is particularly important during the late summer months because this has historically been peak mosquito season in Westchester County.”

The Health Department recommends that residents take the following personal protection measures against mosquito bites:

• Avoid outdoor activities 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).  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.

MORE

Mosquito Control Pg. 2

• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

Mosquitoes capable of carrying West Nile virus lay their eggs in stagnant water. The eggs can develop in any pool or puddle of water that stands undisturbed for more than four days.  Mosquitoes will breed in any untreated water, so it’s important to do the following around your home:

• Ride 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.

Under County Executive Andy Spano's mosquito control program, Operation Mosquito S.T.I.N.G. (Stop The Insect's Next Generation), the County has applied larvicide to catch basins countywide to kill immature mosquitoes. Residents who notice large areas of standing water that could serve as potential mosquito breeding grounds should report this information to the Health Department by calling (914) 813-5000 or online through its internet site, www.westchestergov.com/health. Residents should also keep current with research on alternative insect repellents by visiting the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov.

-30-