FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 16, 2005

RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM MOSQUITO BITES

Mosquito Batches Collected in Southern Westchester Test Positive for West Nile virus.

No Spraying Planned

The Westchester County Department of Health announced that eighteen more mosquito batches have tested positive for West Nile virus: six were found in Mount Vernon, two were found in Yonkers, nine were found in New Rochelle and one was found in Rye Brook. The positive mosquito batches were collected for testing between August 23^rd and September 7^th. This brings the total number of positive mosquito batches found in Westchester County this year up to 46. Westchester County had one human case of West Nile virus this year. The resident is recovering at home and may have contracted West Nile virus during recent travel outside of New York State.

Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua Lipsman urges residents to take personal protective measures against West Nile virus. “This is peak mosquito season and these findings are to be expected at this time of the year. Residents should continue to take action to avoid mosquito bites while in their homes or when spending times outdoors,” said Dr. Lipsman. “These findings should also serve as a reminder that residents need to get rid of any standing water on their property or in their neighborhoods.”

The Health Department will expand its mosquito surveillance efforts outside of the areas where the positive batches of mosquitoes were found to better determine other possible locations of mosquitoes with West Nile virus. These efforts include relocating some mosquito traps to other areas of the county, re-surveying catch basins for mosquito larvae or standing water, as well as identifying and treating any other areas of standing water that exist. If mosquito larvae or mosquito breeding areas are found, they will be immediately addressed. No spraying is planned at this time.

The best way to prevent West Nile virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Using insect repellent or avoiding the outdoors during the time when mosquitoes are most active are two great ways to protect yourself against mosquito bites. Residents should visit the Health Department’s website or call for additional tips on avoiding mosquito bites or ways to eliminate standing water areas that could serve as potential mosquito breeding grounds in and around
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West Nile virus Pg. 2

homes and neighborhoods. 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.

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