Westchester County offers plan for preventing Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases

VALHALLA, New York (WABC) -- Westchester County was treating storm drains Thursday, one of the annual measures for mosquito control that has taken on new urgency with the increase of Zika virus cases worldwide.

Workers are trying to limit the spread of mosquitoes, West Nile Virus and Zika. County Executive Rob Astorino presented a plan Thursday morning at the Kensico Dam playground in Valhalla to minimize the impact of Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Astorino, Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler and Assistant Commissioner for Environmental Health Peter DeLucia explained the county's prevention strategies and demonstrated what residents can do at home to reduce their risk of mosquito bites.

To eliminate mosquito breeding sites and prevent the spread of West Nile Virus and other diseases, the county Health Department recently said it will offer free minnows, mosquito dunks, and "Keep Healthy and Bug Off" brochures to residents on six Mosquito Control Days this month.

Homeowners have been urged to remove standing water where the insects breed and reminded to wear repellent with the chemical DEET.

Zika has been linked to birth defects, and is of particular concern to women who are or plan to become pregnant.