The Westchester County Health Department announced Thursday afternoon August 6, 2026 this season’s first batches of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in Westchester County were found in Rye.
These are the first positives out of 61 batches of mosquitos collected by the County Health Department from 30 traps throughout Westchester. The exact location of the trapping in the City of Rye was not disclosed by the health department. The mosquitoes were tested for West Nile Virus by the New York State Department of Health.
Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “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. Apply sunscreen first, and repellent second, and wash them both off before bed.”
Here is a county video on its mosquito surveillance program:
Throughout the season, the county traps and tests mosquitoes to track the presence of mosquito-borne viruses.
Symptoms of West Nile include fever, headache, body aches and joint pain, but can be more serious for people 60 and older, and those with underlying medical conditions.
Tips to Avoid West Nile:
- Avoid the outdoors at dusk, when mosquitoes are active and feeding. Use insect repellents and follow 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 children’s hands, eyes and mouth.
- 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. Mosquitos do not 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 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.
