Mosquitoes carrying West Nile found in Croton, Mt. Vernon, Rye, White Plains, Yonkers

The season’s first mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus were found in Croton, Mount Vernon, Rye, White Plains and Yonkers, the Westchester County Department of Health said.

The health department will inspect areas surrounding the mosquito batches that tested positive for the virus and, if needed, treat nearby catch basins that hold standing water to protect against mosquito breeding, the department’s news release said.

“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,” Dr. Sherlita Amler, county health commissioner, said in the release.

The mosquitoes were the first to test positive out of 45 mosquito batches collected from eight Westchester locations and tested by the state Department of Health.

Of interest: West Nile virus, dengue fever in NY. How many cases? How to avoid mosquito-borne illness

What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?

West Nile symptoms include fever, headache, body aches and joint pain. Symptoms can be more serious for people 60 and older and for those with underlying medical conditions.

How to avoid West Nile virus

The health department put forward these tips to avoid West Nile:

• Avoid the outdoors in the late afternoon and early evening when mosquitoes are active and feeding. When outdoors use insect repellents and follow the label instructions.
• Adults can use insect repellents with up to 30 percent DEET on infants over two months of age by applying the product to their own hands and then rubbing it onto their children, avoiding their children's hands, eyes and mouth.
• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks when outdoors, especially in areas where mosquitoes are active and feeding.
• Check around your property for anything that can hold water, and pour it out or put it away.  Mosquitos don’t travel far from a water source.
• Check and remove standing water from children’s toys and play houses left outside.
• Remove discarded tires.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of all recycling containers that are left outdoors.
• Turn over plastic wading pools, buckets and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Change the water in birdbaths at least twice weekly.
• Keep storm drains and gutters clear of leaves and debris.
• Continue to chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor spas and hot tubs until properly winterized or drained for the season. Also, if not chlorinated, drain any water that collects on their covers.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Mosquitoes carrying West Nile found in Croton, Mt. Vernon, Rye, White Plains, Yonkers