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Sherlita Amler

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This Top Westchester Official Named Recipient Of Prestigious Award This Top Westchester Official Named Recipient Of Prestigious Award
This Top Westchester Official Named Recipient Of Prestigious Award A top-ranking Westchester County official has received a prestigious award for her leadership abilities.  Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler has been named the 2024 recipient of New York Medical College's William Cullen Bryant Award, county officials announced on Thursday, Oct. 3.  The award, named after the college's founder, recognizes those who show seminal leadership in health care, science, education, business, or the arts and was also bestowed to Amler's husband, Robert Amler, the college's Vice President of Government Affairs.  The awards were …

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by Ben Crnic
News
Harmful Algae Blooms Close Pair Of Northern Westchester Beaches Harmful Algae Blooms Close Pair Of Northern Westchester Beaches
Harmful Algae Blooms Close Pair Of Northern Westchester Beaches Two beaches in Northern Westchester are closed thanks to an outbreak of harmful algae blooms that could harm the health of swimmers who come into contact with it.  New, updated report - Summer Bummer: High Bacteria Levels Force Beach To Close In New Rochelle Two beaches in Mohegan Lake are closed until further notice due to the algae blooms, the Westchester County Department of Health announced on Monday, July 8.  The affected beaches are:  Mohegan Colony Association; Mohegan Beach Park District.  The decision to close the beaches was a "precautionary measure,"&n…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Westchester To Hold Free Rabies Vaccine Clinic For Pets: Here's When Westchester To Hold Free Rabies Vaccine Clinic For Pets: Here's When
Westchester To Hold Free Rabies Vaccine Clinic For Pets: Here's When To help residents protect their four-legged friends against potential contact with rabid animals, Westchester County will hold a free rabies vaccination clinic for pets, officials announced.  The free vaccinations will be given to dogs, cats, and ferrets on Sunday, May 5 at Stamen Animal Hospital in New Rochelle at 61 Quaker Ridge Rd., Westchester officials announced.  Vaccinations will be given out from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and no appointments will be needed. Cats and ferrets are required to be in carriers and dogs must be on a leash. Additionally, aggressive dogs must be muzzled.&n…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Update: 2 More People Bit By Rabid Fox In Westchester Come Forward Update: 2 More People Bit By Rabid Fox In Westchester Come Forward
Update: 2 More People Bit By Rabid Fox In Westchester Come Forward Officials have revealed that two more people were bitten by a rabid fox that was killed in Northern Westchester.  In an announcement on Friday, Jan. 19, the Westchester County Department of Health said two more people bitten by the rabid fox, which was killed in Peekskill, came forward and are now under a doctor's care.  The fox was previously reported as biting two residents in Peekskill on Saturday, Jan. 13 before being killed.  Earlier Report - Rabid Fox Killed After Biting 2 People In Peekskill The fox was seen in the following areas in Peekskill: Roma Orcha…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Heat Advisory Issued In Westchester As Temps Climb: This Beach To Remain Open Heat Advisory Issued In Westchester As Temps Climb: This Beach To Remain Open
Heat Advisory Issued In Westchester As Temps Climb: This Beach To Remain Open As temperatures continue to rise in a late-summer heat wave, Westchester officials have issued an advisory lasting several days and are even keeping one beach open later than usual to help residents cool off.  The Westchester County Health Department issued a heat advisory that will last until Friday, Sept. 8, officials announced on Wednesday, Sept. 6.  The advisory follows forecasts of high heat and humidity that will make it feel over 95 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 7, with the sweltering temperatures continuing into Friday as well.  Related Report: Separ…

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by Ben Crnic
News
First Positive Human West Nile Virus Case Confirmed In Westchester First Positive Human West Nile Virus Case Confirmed In Westchester
First Positive Human West Nile Virus Case Confirmed In Westchester A Westchester resident has tested positive for the first case of West Nile Virus found this year in the county.  A New Rochelle resident has been confirmed to be positive for West Nile Virus, Westchester County officials announced on Thursday, Aug. 31.  The news comes after the first batches of mosquitoes carrying the virus were discovered in Rye and Mamaroneck on Friday, Aug. 25.  Earlier Report: Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found In Rye, Mamaroneck: Here's How To Protect Yourself Following the discovery, standing water around the resident's home and catch basi…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Here's When Plastic Utensils, Condiments Law Will Go Into Effect In Westchester Here's When Plastic Utensils, Condiments Law Will Go Into Effect In Westchester
Here's When Plastic Utensils, Condiments Law Will Go Into Effect In Westchester If you order takeout in Westchester, you'll have to ask for plastic utensils and condiments in order to receive them, according to a new law that will soon go into effect.  The new law, which will go into effect on Saturday, Sept. 2, will ban food establishments in Westchester from providing plastic food ware or condiment packets to both dine-in and takeout customers unless they are specifically asked for, according to county officials.  Earlier Report - Plastic Utensils, Condiments For Takeout Orders Banned In Westchester: Unless You Ask The legislation was signed into law …

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by Ben Crnic
News
Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found In Westchester: Here's How To Protect Yourself Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found In Westchester: Here's How To Protect Yourself
Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found In Westchester: Here's How To Protect Yourself Two batches of mosquitoes in Westchester have tested positive for carrying the West Nile Virus, officials announced.  The two virus-carrying batches of the insects were caught in Rye and Mamaroneck and were this season's first batch to test positive, the Westchester County Department of Health announced on Friday, Aug. 25.  Following this discovery, the Health Department will now inspect the areas surrounding the positive mosquito batches and treat any catch basins holding standing water to prevent mosquito breeding if necessary.  The two batches to carry the virus were the…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Extreme Temps: Heat Advisory Declared In Westchester For Multiple Days Extreme Temps: Heat Advisory Declared In Westchester For Multiple Days
Extreme Temps: Heat Advisory Declared In Westchester For Multiple Days As blistering temperatures and high humidity threaten to arrive in the area, Westchester officials are declaring a heat advisory that will last for numerous days.  The advisory, announced on Wednesday, July 26, will be in effect from Thursday, July 27 through Saturday, July 29, according to Westchester County officials. The decision to declare the advisory was made in preparation for extreme heat and humidity that will likely make it feel well over 100 degrees all three days. A spate of severe storms is also expected to strike the county as well.  Related Story - Strong Sto…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Rabid Raccoon Found In Westchester: Officials Issue Warning About Fatal Disease Rabid Raccoon Found In Westchester: Officials Issue Warning About Fatal Disease
Rabid Raccoon Found In Westchester: Officials Issue Warning About Fatal Disease An aggressive raccoon found in Westchester has tested positive for rabies, leading officials to warn residents who may have come in contact with the animal to get the treatment they need.  The raccoon was found on Tuesday, May 16 in Greenburgh at the intersection of Reunion Road and Tradition Court after it had been acting aggressively, according to Westchester County Department of Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler.  The animal has since tested positive for rabies.  Any residents or their pets who may have come into contact with the raccoon are asked to immediatel…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Protect Your Pets: Free Vaccines To Be Given After Rabid Bear Cub Found In Westchester Protect Your Pets: Free Vaccines To Be Given After Rabid Bear Cub Found In Westchester
Protect Your Pets: Free Vaccines To Be Given After Rabid Bear Cub Found In Westchester In the wake of a rabid bear cub being discovered in Northern Westchester, concerned residents will soon be able to bring their pets in to receive a free rabies vaccine, officials said.  The free vaccinations will be given to dogs, cats, and ferrets on Sunday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stamen Animal Hospital located in New Rochelle at 61 Quaker Ridge Rd., according to an announcement by Westchester County government officials.  The announcement comes after a rabid bear cub was discovered in Lewisboro, county officials announced on Friday, April 14.  E…

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by Ben Crnic
Weather
'Shock Of Arctic Air': Officials Warn Of Upcoming Hypothermia Threat, Low Temps In Westchester 'Shock Of Arctic Air': Officials Warn Of Upcoming Hypothermia Threat, Low Temps In Westchester
'Shock Of Arctic Air': Officials Warn Of Upcoming Hypothermia Threat, Low Temps In Westchester With upcoming temperatures expected to drop as low as ten below zero, Westchester County officials are warning residents to bundle up and prepare for freezing conditions.  Earlier Report - Dangerously Cold Air Mass Will Lead To Dramatic Drop In Temperatures: Here's What's Coming As an arctic blast prepares to cover the area with below-freezing temperatures and wind gusts up to 40 mph on Friday, Feb. 3, and Saturday, Feb. 4, county officials are highlighting the threat of hypothermia and frostbite that comes with such conditions.  "Before you go out in this dangerous col…

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by Ben Crnic
News
COVID-19: Here's When Boosters For Infants, Toddlers Will Be Offered By Westchester County COVID-19: Here's When Boosters For Infants, Toddlers Will Be Offered By Westchester County
Covid-19: Here's When Boosters For Infants, Toddlers Will Be Offered By Westchester County As cases of respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 rise, Westchester County is offering booster shots for young infants and toddlers.  The county began offering Bivalent COVID-19 boosters for children aged 6 months to 3 years old on Friday, Jan. 6, according to county officials.  Related Story - COVID-19: Subvariant XBB Accounts For 70% Of Tristate NY Cases, Sparking Concerns Of New Wave The boosters will be available by appointment on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the County Clinic in White Plains located at 134 Court St. Children who have already received their…

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by Ben Crnic
News
'Protect Yourself': Westchester County Health Department Warns Of Widespread Influenza 'Protect Yourself': Westchester County Health Department Warns Of Widespread Influenza
'Protect Yourself': Westchester County Health Department Warns Of Widespread Influenza As flu season worsens in Westchester County, health department officials are urging residents to get their flu shots.  Earlier Report - NY Ranks 'High' In Flu Activity As Season Is Off To Harsh Start Earlier Than Normal Getting a flu shot is the best safeguard against avoiding the worst health conditions that can result from catching the virus, Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler said in an announcement on Wednesday, Dec. 7.  "As you prepare for holiday gatherings, place a flu shot at the top of your to-do list. This is a great way to protect yourself …

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by Ben Crnic
News
Westchester Health Department To Offer Minnows To Reduce Mosquitoes In Backyards Westchester Health Department To Offer Minnows To Reduce Mosquitoes In Backyards
Westchester Health Department To Offer Minnows To Reduce Mosquitoes In Backyards In an effort to keep mosquito populations low in residents' backyards, the Westchester County Department of Health will soon start giving away minnows to put in residential ponds. Officials announced that the minnows will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7, at the  Westchester County Airport, located at 2 Loop Road in West Harrison. The county said minnows eat mosquito larvae. "With their hearty appetites, this baitfish can keep mosquitos from breeding in your pond and biting you in your own backyard," Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler said.…

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by Nicole Valinote
Politics
COVID-19: County Assessing Possible 'Major Steps We May Need To Take' On Omicron, Latimer Says COVID-19: County Assessing Possible 'Major Steps We May Need To Take' On Omicron, Latimer Says
Covid-19: County Assessing Possible 'Major Steps We May Need To Take' On Omicron, Latimer Says County Executive George Latimer is ready to take “major steps” in Westchester if the Omicron COVID-19 strain poses as large a threat as many fear. During a COVID-19 update on Monday, Nov. 29, Latimer addressed the new variant, which was just confirmed in neighboring Canada and could lead to a spike similar to when the Delta variant first began rapidly spreading earlier this year. Earlier story - COVID-19: County Assessing Possible 'Major Steps We May Need To Take' On Omicron, Latimer Says The World Health Organization identified the Omicron variant as one “of concern” at an emergency meeti…

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by Zak Failla
News
Second Positive West Nile Virus Case Of 2021 Confirmed In Westchester Second Positive West Nile Virus Case Of 2021 Confirmed In Westchester
Second Positive West Nile Virus Case Of 2021 Confirmed In Westchester For the second time in a week, a new West Nile Virus case has been confirmed by doctors in Westchester. Earlier story - First Positive West Nile Virus Case Of 2021 Confirmed In Westchester Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler confirmed that a second human case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in a 66-year-old county resident who has underlying medical conditions. The man remains hospitalized with the virus. His place of residence was not released. Last year, three people were diagnosed with West Nile Virus, and in 2019, one Westchester County resident had the virus. …

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by Zak Failla
News
First Positive West Nile Virus Case Of 2021 Confirmed In Westchester First Positive West Nile Virus Case Of 2021 Confirmed In Westchester
First Positive West Nile Virus Case Of 2021 Confirmed In Westchester The first positive West Nile Virus case of the year was reported in Westchester. Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler said that the department was made aware of the first human case of the virus, which was confirmed in a 58-year-old resident. Amler noted that the resident had multiple underlying medical conditions, and is currently hospitalized. Officials did not disclose where the positive case was reported. Last year, three people were diagnosed with West Nile Virus, and in 2019, one Westchester County resident had the virus. “This first case of West Nile Virus sh…

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by Zak Failla
News
Mosquitoes With West Nile Virus Found In Westchester Mosquitoes With West Nile Virus Found In Westchester
Mosquitoes With West Nile Virus Found In Westchester Two batches of mosquitos carrying West Nile Virus have been discovered in Westchester County, according to the county health department. Health officials reported that the mosquitos were found in Mount Vernon. The health department inspected the area where they were found and treated catch basins that held standing water to protect against mosquito breeding. The New York State Department of Health has tested 105 batches of mosquitos from 11 locations in the county. The department said there haven't been any reported cases of people contracting West Nile Virus in Westchester County so far t…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
Westchester County Announces Free Back-To-School Vaccine Clinics Westchester County Announces Free Back-To-School Vaccine Clinics
Westchester County Announces Free Back-To-School Vaccine Clinics Westchester County has announced its free back-to-school vaccine clinics for children who haven't yet received their required immunizations. Appointments will soon be available at the County Health departments located in Yonkers and White Plains.  “Our clinics have the vaccines children need to start their in-person learning on time, including COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 12 and older," Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler said. "I also encourage families with their own healthcare provider to call now and avoid the September rush, because there are many families who must catch up …

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by Nicole Valinote
Politics
Westchester 'Strong, Getting Stronger,' Latimer Says In State Of County Address Westchester 'Strong, Getting Stronger,' Latimer Says In State Of County Address
Westchester 'Strong, Getting Stronger,' Latimer Says In State Of County Address County Executive George Latimer promised to make Westchester better and stronger in a post-COVID world during his fourth annual “State of the County” address. Latimer acknowledged the tremendous toll that the pandemic has taken on the county and country, but with the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel approaching, he promised to “restore and rebuild Westchester back better than it was before.” “I am here to tell you tonight the State of our County - Westchester County - is strong - and getting stronger,” he said on Thursday, May 20. “Yes, we have more work to do - but I am here to do…

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by Zak Failla
News
First 2020 Westchester West Nile Case, Death Reported First 2020 Westchester West Nile Case, Death Reported
First 2020 Westchester West Nile Case, Death Reported Westchester County has confirmed the first human case of West Nile Virus this year, which has resulted in the person's death. The victim was a 76-year-old Yonkers resident with significant underlying medical conditions who died on Saturday, Aug. 22, the Westchester County Health Department reported on Wednesday, Sept. 16. “We are saddened to learn that the first resident to be diagnosed with West Nile Virus this year has died.," said Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD. "The overwhelming majority of people who get the virus do recover, and we generally have o…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Mosquitoes With West Nile Found In Four Westchester Towns Mosquitoes With West Nile Found In Four Westchester Towns
Mosquitoes With West Nile Found In Four Westchester Towns The Westchester County Health Department found mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus in four towns on Tuesday, Aug. 25 during routine sampling efforts.  With heavy rains looming on the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 26, officials warn residents to use insect repellant with over 30 percent DEET to prevent mosquito bites, and to do what they can to prevent pools of standing water, where mosquitoes breed, on their properties.  This includes removing or turning any objects that may hold water from backyards, checking children's playground equipment and toys for standing water, drilling …

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by Christina Coulter
News
COVID-19: New Details Emerge On Northern Westchester HS Graduation Cluster As Cases Climb To 14 COVID-19: New Details Emerge On Northern Westchester HS Graduation Cluster As Cases Climb To 14
Covid-19: New Details Emerge On Northern Westchester HS Graduation Cluster As Cases Climb To 14 At least 14 people have now had confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) after a cluster broke out following a graduation ceremony in Northern Westchester. Two families that traveled to Florida in recent weeks and returned back to Chappaqua attended the Horace Greeley High School graduation and parties on Saturday, June 20, Westchester County Executive George Latimer said this week. Latimer said that in some instances, proper social distancing was not practiced, and not everyone in attendance was wearing a face covering during the ceremony and subsequent parties. Earlier story -&nb…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: NY Cases Of Mysterious Pediatric Disease Linked To Novel Coronavirus On Rise COVID-19: NY Cases Of Mysterious Pediatric Disease Linked To Novel Coronavirus On Rise
Covid-19: NY Cases Of Mysterious Pediatric Disease Linked To Novel Coronavirus On Rise The Hudson Valley has had an increase in children being admitted to hospitals with a mysterious inflammatory disease believed to be tied to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Last week, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that a child in Westchester died after being treated for pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome, which may be related to the outbreak of COVID-19. On Monday, May 11, healthcare officials announced that multiple children have been coming into New York hospitals daily, with at least 93 cases statewide, with more than a dozen being treated in the Hudson Valley. Accordi…

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by Zak Failla
News
Child With Mysterious Illness Linked To COVID-19 Dies In Westchester Child With Mysterious Illness Linked To COVID-19 Dies In Westchester
Child With Mysterious Illness Linked To Covid-19 Dies In Westchester A child has died in Westchester from a serious inflammatory disease linked to novel coronavirus (COVID-19), county health officials announced. Westchester County Executive George Latimer said that 11 children have been treated for pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, including the child, a boy, who died. Neither the boy's age nor place of residence were released. Statewide, there have been 73 reported cases of the syndrome in New York, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday, May 8. According to health officials, “while rare,…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Hepatitis A Exposure Extended For Anyone Who Ate At Westchester Restaurant Hepatitis A Exposure Extended For Anyone Who Ate At Westchester Restaurant
Hepatitis A Exposure Extended For Anyone Who Ate At Westchester Restaurant The Westchester County Health Department is extending its recommendation to get a Hepatitis A vaccine to anyone who ate at Winston restaurant on Main Street (Route 117) in Mount Kisco on Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3.  The additional two exposure dates were added after health department staff interviewed restaurant workers as part of their disease investigation. On Tuesday, May 7, the health department gave 78 people a Hepatitis A vaccine after learning on Monday, May 6 that an employee with Hepatitis A worked while infectious. Anyone who was at the restaurant from April 17 to May…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
Here's When Westchester Health Department Is Giving Away Free Minnows To Fight West Nile Virus Here's When Westchester Health Department Is Giving Away Free Minnows To Fight West Nile Virus
Here's When Westchester Health Department Is Giving Away Free Minnows To Fight West Nile Virus Want to get a head start on warding off pesky mosquitos from your yard this summer? The Westchester Health Department can help. The department is offering free minnows to residents with ponds and water features starting Friday, May 3. A total of 450 pounds of minnows will be available at the Westchester County Airport (2 Loop Road in West Harrison) at the following upcoming times: Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also available are mosquito dunks as well as advice and strategies to help prevent the spread of …

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by Valerie Musson
News
Westchester Sues Highly Addictive Opioid Manufacturers, Distributors Westchester Sues Highly Addictive Opioid Manufacturers, Distributors
Westchester Sues Highly Addictive Opioid Manufacturers, Distributors Westchester County, facing the ever-escalating costs associated with combating the opioid epidemic, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against more than 30 parties alleged to manufacture and distribute the highly addictive painkiller. The county seeks to recover money used fighting the opioid and related heroin crisis in Westchester, the Hudson valley and nationwide. Westchester suffered 124 known opioid overdose deaths (includes heroin and prescription drugs) in 2016, according to the New York State Department of Health. The lawsuit alleges that the manufacturers, distributors and other entities …

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by Jon Craig
Lifestyle
County Issues Flu Do's, Don'ts For Westchester Residents, Children County Issues Flu Do's, Don'ts For Westchester Residents, Children
County Issues Flu Do's, Don'ts For Westchester Residents, Children With flu widespread throughout the state and nation, Westchester County Executive George Latimer rolled up his sleeve for a flu shot at the Westchester County Health Department clinic in White Plains on Jan. 30, urging others who haven’t already done so to get themselves and their children vaccinated. “Get a flu shot and make sure your family members do, too,” Latimer said. “The vaccine can help keep you healthy or reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do get the flu. It’s our best defense and flu shots remain widely available.” To increase access to flu shots for children, pharmaci…

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by Jon Craig
News
New Lawsuit Filed Against Westchester Restaurant Over Hepatitis Scare New Lawsuit Filed Against Westchester Restaurant Over Hepatitis Scare
New Lawsuit Filed Against Westchester Restaurant Over Hepatitis Scare A new lawsuit has been filed against bartaco, the popular Port Chester restaurant that had to be temporarily closed down in October last year due to a Hepatitis A exposure that left some customers sick. Two men from Connecticut filed a lawsuit in Supreme Court this week, according to a lohud report, making it the fourth lawsuit filed against the restaurant, which was shut down for a day following the outbreak. A class action suit was filed by a Rochester-based law firm on behalf of Yonkers resident Crystal Lopez and the thousands of people who were required to obtain a blood test and receiv…

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by Zak Failla