Community Corner

Westchester Finds West Nile in Local Mosquitoes

Westchester County officials advise using insect repellent and avoiding the outdoors during certain parts of the day.

Those with Type O blood, consume alcohol or are pregnant may have to be a little more wary now that West Nile Virus has been found in Westchester County.

According to a statement from the Department of Health, the batch of mosquitoes found infected with the virus "had been collected by County Health Department staff in Rye Brook and sent to New York State Department of Health for testing."

It's not unusual for West Nile Virus to come to Westchester County in the summertime.

"Last year, there were 29 positive mosquito batches found in Westchester County and four human cases of West Nile virus reported," according to the statement. "Westchester County’s first positive mosquito batch last year was reported in late June, which was earlier than usual."

The County plans to continue testing mosquitoes as the season continues and advises residents to use insect repellent outside and try to stay indoors during the late afternoon and early evening "when mosquitoes are active and feeding."

However, So far this year, there have been no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in Westchester County."

Related:
How Mosquitoes Choose Their Next Meal
Westchester to Offer Minnows for West Nile Prevention 


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