Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found In White Plains

According to an announcement from the Westchester County Health Department on Tuesday, July 30, the season's first batches of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus were found in:

• Croton;
• Mount Vernon;
• Rye;
• White Plains;
• Yonkers.

The batches carrying the virus were the first to test positive out of 45 groups collected from eight locations throughout the county, health officials said.

Following the tests, health officials will now test the areas surrounding the batches carrying the virus and treat any nearby catch basins holding standing water to protect against further mosquito breeding.

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler advised Westchester residents to protect themselves against the pesky bugs.

"As you spend more time outdoors, protect yourself and your family by using repellents, especially from dawn to dusk, when many mosquitoes are active. Apply sunscreen first, and repellent second," Amler said.

West Nile symptoms include fever, headaches, body aches, and joint pain, and can be worse in those aged 60 and over as well as people with underlying medical conditions.

The Health Department gave the following tips for avoiding the virus:

• Avoid going outdoors in the late afternoon and early evening when mosquitoes are active and feeding;
• Parents can use insect repellents with up to 30 percent DEET on infants over two months of age by applying it to their hands and rubbing it on their children, avoiding their hands, eyes, and mouth;
• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks when outside;
• Check properties for anything that can hold water and pour it out before putting it away;
• Remove any standing water from children's toys and play houses;
• Remove discarded tires;
• Drill holes in the bottoms of containers left outside;
• Turn over plastic pools, buckets, and wheelbarrows when not using them so water doesn't collect inside;
• Keep storm drains and gutters clear of leaves and debris;
• Keep chlorinating pools, outdoor spas, and hot tubs.

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