First 2020 Case, Death From West Nile Virus In Westchester

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Westchester County officials announced Wednesday they had learned of the first human case of West Nile Virus this year, in a 76-year-old resident with significant underlying medical conditions who died Aug. 22.

"We are saddened to learn that the first resident to be diagnosed with West Nile Virus this year has died," Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said in the announcement. "The overwhelming majority of people who get the virus do recover, and we generally have only a few cases each year."

She said a health department crew removed standing water from many containers around the resident’s Yonkers home that held mosquito larvae; evaluated nearby catch basins in the area and treated those with larvicide as needed.

"This should remind all of us to take precautions against mosquito bites by removing standing water from our property after it rains, and use repellents when we spend time outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active," she said.

West Nile Virus infection most often causes a mild or moderate flu-like illness, with fever, headache, body aches and joint pain. It can be more serious particularly for people 60 and older, and those with other health complications.

Last year, one Westchester resident was diagnosed with West Nile. In 2018, four people had the virus, and in 2017, three county residents had it.

To reduce the mosquito population near your home, follow these tips:

• Avoid the outdoors in the late afternoon and early evening when mosquitoes are active and feeding, or use insect repellents following the label instructions.
• Adults can use insect repellents with up to 30 percent DEET on infants over two months of age by applying the product to their own hands and then rubbing it onto their children, avoiding their hands, eyes and mouth. Products containing DEET are not recommended for use on children under two months old.
• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks when outdoors, especially in areas where mosquitoes are active and feeding.
• Check around your property for anything that can hold water, and pour it out or put it away.
• Check and remove standing water from children’s toys and play houses left outside.
• Check window screens and replace any that are torn.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of all recycling containers that are left outdoors.
• Turn over plastic wading pools, buckets and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Change the water in birdbaths at least twice weekly.
• 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. Also, if not chlorinated, drain any water that collects on their covers.

Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property should report them to the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000.

Throughout the season, the Westchester County Health Department traps and tests mosquitoes to track the presence of mosquito-borne viruses. For more information, check the county's webpage.