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The area surrounding the positive mosquito batches have been inspected and treated to protect against further mosquito breeding nearby, said officials with the Westchester County Health Department.
“Mosquitoes are often thought of as merely a nuisance but they can carry serious diseases, including West Nile virus,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. “With more rain expected this week, it’s important to remember we can keep mosquitoes from breeding and biting us in our own backyards if we pour outstanding water after it rains and remove, or turnover wheelbarrows and watering cans.”
To date, these are the first two positive batches out of 134 batches of mosquitoes collected in Westchester, the state Health Department had identified 69 positive mosquito batches statewide as of July 20.
Last year, West Nile virus was identified in five local mosquito batches out of 380 submitted for testing and three people were diagnosed with the virus.
The virus most often causes a mild or moderate flu-like illness but can be more serious particularly for people 60 and older, and those with other health complications.
Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property should report them to the Westchester County Department of Health at 914-813-5000.
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