HEALTH
West Nile-positive mosquitos found in Westchester. What to know
Michael P. McKinneyRockland/Westchester Journal News
Aug. 7, 2026, 9:40 a.m. ET
Westchester’s health department said this season’s first batches of mosquitoes in Westchester carrying West Nile Virus have been found in Rye
They were the first mosquitoes to test positive out of 61 mosquito batches the county health department collected from 30 traps in Westchester, a news release said Thursday, Aug. 6. The state Department of Health tested the mosquitoes
“This is a seasonal reminder that mosquitos thrive in hot water, especially at sunrise and sunset, so be sure to protect yourself and your family by using repellents, especially when many mosquitoes are active,” said Dr. Sherlita Amler, county health <a href="https://todaytrendnews7.com/federal-communications-commission-scraps-limit-on-broadcast-tv-ownership/” title=”Federal Communications Commission scraps limit on broadcast TV ownership”>commissioner. “Apply sunscreen first, and repellent second, and wash them both off before bed.”
What are symptoms of West Nile virus?
West Nile symptoms include fever, headache, body aches and joint pain, but can be more serious for people 60 and older, and those with underlying medical conditions
How to help reduce the mosquito population
Westchester County has launched a video on its YouTube channel for tips on how to reduce mosquito population
Information can also be found on the county’s West Nile virus webpage
The county health department offered these tips:
- Avoid outdoors at dusk, when mosquitoes are active and feeding. Use insect repellents and follow label instructions.
- Adults can use insect repellents with up to 30% DEET on infants over two months old, applying the product to their own hands and then rubbing it onto their children, avoiding their children’s hands, eyes and mouth.
- Wear long pants, longsleeved shirts and socks when outdoors, especially in places where mosquitoes are active and feeding.
- Check around your property for anything that can hold water and pour it out or put it away. Mosquitos don’t travel far from a water source.
- Check and remove standing water from children’s toys and play houses left outside.
- Remove discarded tires.
- Drill holes in the bottoms of all recycling containers left outdoors.
- Turn over plastic wading pools, buckets and wheelbarrows when not being used.
- Change water in birdbaths at least twice a week.
- Keep storm drains and gutters clear of leaves and debris.
- Continue to chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor spas and hot tubs until properly winterized or drained for the season. If not chlorinated, drain any water that collects on their covers.
