Public Health & Safety Information from Westchester County

Mosquitoes with West Nile Virus Found in Westchester

County Health Department Announces First Positive Batch of Mosquitoes for 2019;

Reminds Residents to Remove Standing Water and Use Repellents

(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Health Department announced that this season’s first batch of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in Westchester was identified in Mamaroneck. The area surrounding the positive mosquito batches was inspected today by the Health Department, which has treated nearby catch basins to protect against further mosquito breeding nearby.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer recommended residents follow the Health Department’s West Nile Virus prevention advice to avoid mosquito bites.

County Executive George Latimer said: “We can keep mosquitoes from breeding and biting us in our own backyards if we pour out standing water after it rains and remove or turn over wheelbarrows, flower pot drip trays and any toy pails or watering cans.”

To date, this is the first positive out of 195 batches of mosquitoes collected in Westchester that were tested for West Nile Virus by the New York State Department of Health. Last year, the first positive batch was collected in Westchester on July 24. Statewide, the state Health Department had identified 361 positive mosquito batches as of August 30, including 266 in New York City.

Sherlita Amler, MD, Commissioner of Health, said: “To protect yourself and your family when you spend time outdoors, use repellents, especially from dawn to dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.”

The Health Department prepared for the mosquito season by educating the public through news releases, flyers, social media and our website, where a report on mosquito control and surveillance can be found on the West Nile Virus page. The Health Department also gave 450 pounds of free fathead minnows to residents with ponds to reduce the mosquito population. The minnows reduce the mosquito population by feeding on larvae and pupae before they emerge into adult mosquitoes.

Throughout the season, the Department also traps and tests mosquitoes to track the presence of mosquito-borne viruses in the County. Last year, West Nile Virus was identified in 10 local mosquito batches out of 393 submitted for testing and four people were diagnosed with West Nile Virus. In 2017, West Nile Virus was identified in five local mosquito batches out of 380 submitted for testing and three people were diagnosed with West Nile Virus.

West Nile Virus infection 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. Four residents were diagnosed with West Nile Virus in 2018 and three in 2017, and all recovered.

To reduce the chances for mosquitoes to breed and bite around your home, follow these tips:

Avoid the outdoors in the late afternoon and early evening when mosquitoes are active and feeding; use insect repellents when outdoors during these times and follow the label instructions.
To protect infants over two months of age, adults can apply insect repellents with up to 30 percent DEET to their own hands and then rub it onto their children. Products containing DEET are not recommended for use on children under two months of age.
Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks when outdoors, especially in areas where mosquitoes are active and feeding.
Discard or turn over cans, plastic containers and ceramic pots outside your home to avoid accumulating water.
Remove standing water from outdoor toys and play houses.
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.
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.

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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Westchester County Executive George Latimer Urges Residents To Be Prepared During Hurricane Season

September 6, 2019 – Westchester County Executive George Latimer urges residents to review their emergency plans and obtain critical supplies ahead of time in case any severe weather strikes Westchester during hurricane season.

Latimer said: “Now is the time to assemble the essential items that you would need at home if a major storm hits and causes flooding or power outages. These items can quickly disappear from store shelves when a storm is looming or has just occurred.”

County emergency responders advise residents to have several days’ worth of food, water, medicine and other critical supplies like flashlights and batteries on hand. Charge all cell phones, power banks and external chargers in case of a loss of power. Prepare a “go-bag” to take on short notice during an emergency, have some cash available and keep all vehicle fuel tanks full.

Latimer said: “In recent years, severe storms have caused significant property damage and extended power outages in Westchester. We don’t know what Mother Nature has in store for us this hurricane season so hope for the best but plan for the worst.”

Always assume that fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment are live and, if encountered, immediately call 911. Do not touch a downed line or anyone in contact with the line. To report an electrical outage to Con Edison, call 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633). Those with NYSEG should call 1-800-572-1131 for electric outages or 1-800-572-1121 for gas.

Department of Emergency Services (DES) Commissioner John M. Cullen recommends that residents create a disaster preparedness kit that includes: one gallon of water per person per day; a three-day supply of canned, packaged or other foods that do not need refrigeration or need to be cooked, a manual can opener, flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Foods that can be stored include ready-to-eat canned meats and fish, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal, granola, peanut butter, nuts, crackers and canned fruit juice.

Cullen added that residents should create a plan ahead of time for any family members with special needs, those who are frail or elderly, infants as well as pets. Family members also should plan for how they will communicate if local phone service is not available or is overwhelmed by high demand.

Sherlita Amler, MD, Commissioner of the Department of Health, also noted that food and generator safety are essential during any power outage or emergency. If you lose power, here’s how to feed your family safely:

Keep your refrigerator closed as much as possible. Do not assume refrigerated foods are safe. If food is still fully frozen, it is safe to use.
Foods that have warmed to room temperature for more than two hours or have come into contact with flood waters should be discarded. When in doubt, throw it out.
After disposing of spoiled food, disinfect the refrigerator to avoid further contamination.
Discard any cans of food that are rusted, dented or opened.
If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again.
Storm clean-up can produce a great deal of garbage, which invites insects and rodents. Store your garbage in watertight, rodent/insect-proof containers with tight-fitting covers.
Residents and business owners with generators or oil tanks should follow these safety tips:
Never run a generator in a basement, garage, porch or carport. Generators produce carbon monoxide that can quickly be lethal indoors. Only operate a generator outdoors and away from open windows.
Do not exceed the rated capacity of your generator. Overloading your generator can damage it and any appliances connected to it. Fire may result.
If your generator has a detachable fuel tank, remove it before refilling. If this is not possible, shut off the generator and let it cool before refilling.
Residents with oil tanks should top off their tanks and tighten the cap to prevent spills. Above-ground tanks should also be strapped to a secure fixture to prevent tipping in case of flooding.

Practical tips on these and other topics can be found at http://keepingsafe.westchestergov.com/be-prepared and www.ready.gov.

Departments

Boards & Committees

Public Health & Safety Information from Westchester County