A Yonkers resident has tested positive for West Nile Virus — the first confirmed case of the mosquito-borne illness in Westchester County this year, officials said.
The case was confirmed in a Yonkers resident who had recently traveled outside the county, according to Westchester County health officials.
West Nile Virus can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and body aches. In severe cases, the disease can cause brain inflammation.
Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler urged residents to protect themselves from mosquitos.
“To avoid breeding mosquitos in your own yard, remove all standing water around your home after it rains, and use repellents when you spend time outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active,” she said in a statement.
County health officials said they will work with the resident to determine whether the exposure may have occurred during travel outside the county or closer to home.
The Westchester case comes after five human cases were confirmed in New York City in each borough except the Bronx, according to city data. The disease has also been detected in 1,456 mosquito pools across the city.
