Politics & Government
Yonkers Resident Hospitalized for West Nile, First Westchester Case This Year
The County Health Department found a catch basin that tested positive for West Nile in Rye Brook this August, but this is the first human case this year, they said.
Editor's Note: The following post was originatlly written by Liz Giegerich for the Rye Patch.
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The first human case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in a 73-year-old Yonkers resident who has been hospitalized, the County Department of Health announced today.
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The Westchester County Department of Health conducted a local environmental assessment of the area in and around the man’s home for signs of mosquito breeding activity nearby. While no active breeding sites were found, area catch basins were retreated, according to a Health Dept. press release.
The first mosquito batch to test positive for West Nile Virus in Westchester was identified in early August at a Rye Brook catch basin, but this is the first human case of the virus.Last year, there were 29 positive mosquito batches found in Westchester and four human cases of West Nile virus reported. Westchester County’s first positive mosquito batch last year was reported in June, which was earlier than normal.
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Read the rest of the press release here:
As in prior years, the Health Department prepared for the summer mosquito season by applying larvicide briquettes to street catch basins that held standing water on county and local roads in an effort to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as the West Nile virus. Residents should continue to do their part by taking personal protection measures and removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
Six positive mosquito batches were identified in Westchester this year, starting July 16. Last year, there were 29 positive pools and four human cases.
“West Nile mosquito activity in Westchester so far is much less than last year,” said Rick Morrissey, deputy commissioner for environmental health. “The county health department conducted extensive mosquito prevention efforts again this year, larviciding more than 40,000 street catch basins. We will continue to monitor mosquito activity and recommend that residents be vigilant in their efforts to remove standing water on their property.”
West Nile Virus infection most often causes a mild or moderate flu-like illness, but can be more serious and potentially fatal in people 50 and older, and those with other health complications.
Click here to find out how to prevent West Nile Virus where you live.
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