RyeCity REVIEW THE
September 17, 2021 | Vol. 9, Number 35 | www.ryecityreview.com
First positive West Nile virus case in Westchester
Back on the field! Field hockey teams from Bronxville and Rye Neck battle at Chambers Field on Sept. 13, 2021. The game was Bronxville’s first home contest after the turf was damaged by flooding fromHurricane Ida. For story, see page 16. Photo/ Mike Smith
FEMA opens disaster recovery centers in Westchester On Thursday, Sept. 9, FEMA announced the opening of two disaster recovery centers in Westchester County as a result of the impact of Hurricane Ida. They are located at the Grinton I. Will Library, 500 Central Park Ave., Yonkers, NY 10710 and the Mamaroneck Village Court, 169 Mount Pleasant Ave., Mamaroneck, NY 10543. On Sept. 1, Ida record amounts of rainfall on the region causing unprecedented flooding in areas and killing more than 50 people in the Northeast. Ar-
eas along the Sound Shore were dealt crushing blows as flooding upending communities, including Rye and Mamaroneck The two locations will be open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, until further notice. People may also register with FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov, or by phone by calling 800621-3362. Individuals who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly. These toll-free telephone numbers are operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
seven days a week with multilingual operators. (Submitted)
Westchester County has learned of its first human case of West Nile virus this year, which was confirmed in a 58-year-old resident with multiple underlying medical conditions, who is hospitalized. “This first case of West Nile Virus should remind us all to take precautions against mosquito bites by removing standing water from our property, especially after recent heavy rain and flooding, and using repellents when we spend time outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active,” said county Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler West Nile virus infection most often causes a mild or moderate flu-like illness, but can be more serious particularly for people 60 and older, and those with other health complications. Last year, three people were diagnosed with West Nile virus,
and in 2019, one Westchester County resident had the virus. With this year’s case, the Westchester County Department of Health removed standing water around the resident’s home; evaluated nearby catch basins in the area and treated those with larvicide as needed. Due to the recent weather conditions, residents should inspect their property and remove any standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property should report them to the Westchester County Department of Health at 813-5000. Throughout the season, the county Health Department traps and tests mosquitoes to track the presence of mosquito-borne viruses. For more ideas on how to reduce the mosquito population near your home, go to https:// health.westchestergov.com/ west-nile-virus. (Submitted)