Caren Halbfinger spokesperson for the Westchester County Deparement of Health confirmed that both Rye Brook and Rye City were among 17 sites with positive West Nile virus results in July.
According to data now available on the Westchester County Department of Health website, Rye City had positive West Nile virus results on July 6 at one site, 2 on July 17, and another 2 on July 18. The Village of Rye Brook had two positive results on separate days: July 17 and 18.
Halbfinger would not release information about the specific locations of the mosquito pools, which are routinely tested, but said there was no particular cause for alarm based on these results.
"It's summer," said Halbfinger. "We know we're going to find [some positive results]." Halbfinger stressed that there had been no human cases of West Nile virus reported in the County so far this year.
South Westchester locations are also historically more active for positive West Nile activity, according to Halbfinger.
Previous reports about the County's July mosquito testing disclosed positive results in the Village of Mamaroneck and the City of Yonkers. The data now available adds Rye and Rye Brook to that tally.
Rye City Manager Scott Pickup said Monday afternoon, "We are working cooperatively with the County DOH, and to date have not received any specific instructions for additional mitigation measures beyond the current County larvacide program and individual property owners eliminating areas where water stands."
When positive results are found at the mosquito pool sites around the county, Halbfinger said property owners within a one mile radius of the site are notified. She also added that all summer camps are trained on dealing with mosquito and the possible spread of West Nile virus.
The County Dept of Health offers the following tips for residents:
- Remove from around your home and neighborhood anything that might hold standing water. For example: old tires, buckets and wheelbarrows.
- Report any standing water that you cannot remove by calling (914) 813-5000.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites.
This post was updated to include a response from Rye City Manager Scott Pickup, Monday, 3:04 p.m.
