WHITE PLAINS, NY (September 1, 2026) — Westchester County has confirmed its first positive human case of West Nile Virus for 2026. The case involves a resident of Yonkers who recently traveled outside the county.
Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler emphasized the importance of precautions. “This first case of West Nile Virus is a reminder to take precautions to protect yourself from mosquitos,” Amler said. Residents should remove standing water from their properties and use repellents, especially during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn.
While West Nile Virus typically results in mild or moderate flu-like symptoms, it can be more severe for individuals over 65 or with underlying medical conditions. The Health Department is collaborating with the resident to determine if the exposure occurred during travel or locally.
Residents are urged to eliminate standing water in areas such as flowerpot trays, kiddie pools, and playground equipment. Large areas of standing water on public property should be reported to the County Health Department at (914) 813-5000.
The county continues to trap and test mosquitoes to monitor virus presence. For more prevention tips, visit the Westchester County Health Department’s West Nile Virus page.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.
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