West Nile Virus is Close By--Evidence of Mosquitoes Testing Positive Found in NYC
Jul. 23, 2014: The Westchester County Department of Health advises residents to take precautions against mosquito bites after New York City reported that its first batches of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus. So far this season, no mosquitoes in Westchester have been identified as carriers of West Nile Virus, but this is the time of year when the health department expects to find them.
"Given our proximity to New York City, it is safe to assume that mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus will soon be identified here in Westchester County," said Sherlita Amler, MD, commissioner of health. "Our recent rainy weather also makes conditions ripe for mosquitoes capable of carrying the virus to breed. I urge all residents to remove standing water from their property and to take personal protective measures against mosquito bites when spending time outdoors."
Last year, there were seven positive mosquito batches found in Westchester County and two human cases of West Nile virus reported. Westchester County's first positive mosquito batch last year was reported in early August. So far this year, no positive mosquito batches have been found and there have been no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in Westchester County.
The health department prepared for the summer mosquito season by applying larvicide briquettes to street catch basins that held standing water and by giving away free minnows to residents that have ponds on their property. The minnows reduce the mosquito population because they feed on mosquito larvae and pupae before they emerge into adult mosquitoes. Residents should continue to do their part by removing standing water around their homes where mosquitoes can breed and by taking personal protection measures against mosquito bites.
To help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds where you live:
• Survey your property for tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers that should be discarded or turned over to prevent collecting water.
• Cover outdoor trash containers to keep rainwater from accumulating inside.
• Turn over plastic wading pools, buckets, and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are left outdoors.
• Clean roof gutters and remove standing water from flat roofs.
• Drain water in birdbaths, plant pots, and drip trays twice a week.
• Sweep driveways after it rains so that they are free of puddles.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.
To reduce your risk of mosquito bites:
• Avoid being outdoors in places and during times where and when mosquitoes are active and feeding.
• Use insect repellents with no more than 10% DEET on children, sparingly and with care. Repellents should be effective for about two hours and should only be applied once a day. Read and follow package directions and wash treated skin after mosquito exposure has ended.
• Select the lowest concentration effective for the amount of time spent outdoors. A concentration of 24% has been shown to provide an average of five hours of protection.
• Products containing DEET are not recommended for infants under two months of age.
• Wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks when outdoors in areas and at times where and when mosquitoes are active.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property that could serve as potential mosquito breeding grounds should report this information to the Westchester County Department of Health by calling 914-813-5000 or emailing the health department through its website, www.westchestergov.com/health.
Government & History Directory
Bronxville is a quaint village (one square mile) located just 16 miles north of midtown Manhattan (roughly 30 minutes on the train) and has a population of approximately 6,500. It is known as a premier community with an excellent public school (K-12) and easy access to Manhattan. Bronxville offers many amenities including an attractive business district, a hospital (Lawrence Hospital), public paddle and tennis courts, fine dining at local restaurants, two private country clubs and a community library.
While the earliest settlers of Bronxville date back to the first half of the 18th century, the history of the modern suburb of Bronxville began in 1890 when William Van Duzer Lawrence purchased a farm and commissioned the architect, William A. Bates, to design a planned community of houses for well-known artists and professionals that became a thriving art colony. This community, now called Lawrence Park, is listed on the National register of Historic Places and many of the homes still have artists’ studios. A neighborhood association within Lawrence Park called “The Hilltop Association” keeps this heritage alive with art shows and other events for neighbors.
Bronxville offers many charming neighborhoods as well as a variety of living options for residents including single family homes, town houses, cooperatives and condominiums. One of the chief benefits of living in “the village” is that your children can attend the Bronxville School.
The Bronxville postal zone (10708, known as “Bronxville PO”) includes the village of Bronxville as well as the Chester Heights section of Eastchester, parts of Tuckahoe and the Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa and Longvale sections of Yonkers. Many of these areas have their own distinct character. For instance, the Armour Villa section has many historic homes and even has its own newsletter called “The Villa Voice” which reports on neighborhood news.
Village of Bronxville Administrative Offices
337-6500
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Police Department
337-0500
Open 24 hours
Bronxville Parking Violations
337-2024
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Fire Deparment
793-6400
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