On Monday, May 3 , the La Salle County Health Department will begin collecting dead Monday, May 3 and will continues this process through Friday , Oct 15. County Executive Robert P. Astorino, said, “Through the combined efforts of residents and county government, we can successfully curb the mosquito population and keep cases of West Nile Virus to a minimum. All of us must do our part to keep mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus from breeding in Westchester.” Dr. Cheryl Archbald, Acting Commissioner of Health said, “Discarded tires, unchlorinated swimming pools, outdoor pottery, sand pails and birdbaths are popular breeding sites for mosquitoes. That’s why it is important that everyone survey their property routinely and empty standing water from these and other containers throughout the spring and summer”.

The La Salle County citizens should now report any deceased crow, blue jay, robin, pigeon, cardinal, cowbird, finch, grackle, mourning dove, sparrow or startling to the Environmental division as the health department will now continue this process as the dead birds are important sentinels for early detection of West Nile virus activity, which has been documented throughout La Salle County, during the past eight years. Again this year , Health Department are preparing to begin testing mosquitoes , in the vector for West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis.

County Executive Robert P. Astorino, said ,”Through the combined efforts of residents and county government, we can successfully curb the mosquito population and keep cases of West Nile Virus to a minimum. All of us must do our part to keep mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus from breeding in Westchester”.

It may be noted that mosquitoes too multiply during this season. They are capable of carrying west Nile virus lay their eggs in stagnant water and may develop in any pool or puddle of water that stands undisturbed for more than four days. Hence, there a set of instructions available on the following website, “www. Westchestergov. com/health” or call the Health Department at (914)813 – 5000.