news release

 

ANDREW J. SPANO, Westchester County Executive

JOSHUA LIPSMAN, M.D., J.D.,  M.P.H., Commissioner of Health

 SUSAN TOLCHIN, Director of Communications

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                  September 11, 2006

           

 

FIRST HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE VIRUS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY;

TWO NEW MOSQUITO BATCHES TEST POSITIVE

No Spraying Planned

 

            The Westchester County Department of Health has been notified by the New York State Department of Health that a 57 year-old man from Bronxville has tested positive for West Nile virus.  The man was hospitalized, but is currently recovering at home.   This is the first identified human case of West Nile virus in a Westchester County resident this year.  

            Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua Lipsman said “no one should be alarmed by this human case, since West Nile virus has been present in our area for several years now.  However, this case should serve as a reminder that we cannot become lax about taking personal protective measures against this disease.”                                                  

            In addition to the human case, two more mosquito batches have also tested positive for West Nile virus: one was found in Mamaroneck and collected on August 15 and the other was found in Greenburgh and collected on August 17.  This brings the total number of positive mosquito batches found in Westchester County this year up to 18. 

            The Health Department will be inspecting the area surrounding the man’s home for any potential mosquito breeding ground areas.  The Health Department will also continue with mosquito surveillance efforts throughout the county, as well as in the areas where these two latest positive batches of mosquitoes were found.  These efforts will include mosquito trapping and testing as well as surveying catch basins for mosquito larvae or standing water.  No spraying is planned at this time.

            Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua Lipsman urges residents to remain vigilant against West Nile virus.  “This is peak mosquito season and these findings are to be expected at this time of the year.”  “That is why it is so important to get rid of standing water and to avoid mosquito bites when spending time outdoors,” he added.

Dr. Lipsman recommends that residents take the following preventive measures against mosquito bites:

  • Avoid being outdoors in places and during times where and when mosquitoes are active and feeding.
  • Use insect repellants that contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) when outdoors in such areas at those

MORE

WNV Human Case P. 2

times.  Adults should use repellents with no more than30% DEET.  Use 10% or less DEET for children.  Do not

use DEET on infants.  Insect repellants should be applied 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 in your home have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes so that mosquitoes cannot get inside.

Another important aspect of West Nile virus prevention is the elimination of standing water.  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 the 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.

 

The Westchester County Department of Health also encourages residents to report any standing water that they identify which cannot be easily eliminated.  Reports of standing water can be made to the Health Department by calling (914) 813-5000 or by entering the pertinent information into forms provided on the Health Department’s website at www.westchestergov.com/health.  Additional information about mosquito control and West Nile virus prevention can also be found on the Health Department’s website.

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