Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have already been detected in Westchester County this summer, and health officials want Bronxville, Scarsdale, and Eastchester residents to check their own backyards for standing water before the peak transmission season intensifies.
The Westchester County Health Department released a new public health video on Monday, Aug. 3, detailing how the county monitors mosquito activity and what residents can do to reduce breeding sites on their properties.
County Executive Ken Jenkins and Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler both emphasized that mosquito control is a shared responsibility between the county and homeowners.
One positive pool already found
A New York State Department of Health surveillance report covering the week of July 19–25 confirmed one West Nile virus-positive mosquito pool in Westchester out of seven tested. No human cases had been reported anywhere in New York State as of July 25.
The state identifies mid-July through September as the peak period for West Nile virus activity.
Westchester is also one of only five counties outside New York City where Aedes albopictus, a mosquito species capable of transmitting dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, is considered established.
What residents should do
Dr. Amler identified the most common breeding spots as containers that collect water, flowerpots, birdbaths, clogged gutters, and improperly maintained swimming pools.
"The vast majority of mosquito breeding happens in places around our homes and neighborhoods," Dr. Amler said in the county's Aug. 3 announcement. "Emptying containers that collect water, cleaning gutters, maintaining pools, and eliminating standing water can make a tremendous difference."
The county recommends five steps:
- Eliminate standing water from containers, flowerpots, birdbaths, and gutters
- Keep swimming pools properly chlorinated and maintained
- Wear insect repellent when spending time outdoors
- Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active
- Check that window and door screens have no holes or tears
County surveillance ongoing
The Health Department traps and tests mosquitoes throughout the season, working with municipalities to identify and eliminate breeding areas. The program runs annually as part of the county's public health infrastructure.
Residents who want to report a mosquito problem or a public health concern can call the Westchester County Department of Health's 24-hour line at (914) 813-5000.
