WHITE PLAINS - The Westchester County Health Department has learned that two mosquito batches submitted for testing to the New York State Health Department have tested positive for West Nile Virus.  One batch was collected in Rye Brook on July 30 and the other batch was collected in Mt. Vernon on August 5.  This brings the total number of positive mosquito batches in Westchester to three for this year, with no reported human cases of West Nile Virus thus far.

The Health Department will continue with mosquito surveillance efforts throughout the county, as well as in the areas where these two positive mosquito batches were found.  Efforts will include mosquito trapping and testing as well as surveying catch basins for mosquito larvae or standing water.  No spraying is planned at this time.

Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua Lipsman said that these findings are not unexpected and serve as a reminder that residents should protect themselves against mosquito bites. “It is particularly important that residents remain vigilant in their efforts to reduce their risk of West Nile virus, particularly now, during peak mosquito season,” he said.