July 12 Set as Mosquito Control Day in Putnam
July 12 Set as Mosquito Control Day in Putnam;
Zika Education Bags Arrive at Town Halls
BREWSTER, NY—Tuesday, July 12, has been designated “Mosquito Control Day” by County Executive MaryEllen Odell and Michael J. Nesheiwat, MD, Interim Commissioner of Health, calling residents to action to dump all standing water on their property. Zika “education bags” are being delivered to local town offices and will be available for pick-up next week. Each bag contains information about mosquito control and Zika virus, and two mosquito “dunks.” These donut-shaped mosquito control products are made from a biological larvicide that kills mosquitoes before they are old enough to bite. A limited number of free bags, which also include a sample DEET wipe, are available for Putnam County residents.
“Public support is an important and necessary part of any mosquito control program,” said County Executive Odell. “Residents should check their yards and dump all standing water that can be removed. If the water cannot be easily emptied, consider using a mosquito dunk. This will help reduce the mosquito population.” County Executive Odell, together with Town supervisors, has been working with the health department to plan and provide the latest guidance about reducing the potential for local spread of the Zika virus in Putnam County.
“Another crucial strategy is to prevent mosquito bites,” said Dr. Neisheiwat. “Apply an EPA- approved insect repellant (such as those containing DEET), and dress in long sleeves and pants which may be unpleasant on hot and humid summer days. Fortunately the mosquito which could prove to be a local carrier of the Zika virus is not currently in Putnam.”
The Zika bags can be picked up at the following town hall locations, during their usual business hours, as long as supplies last:
Carmel, 60 McAlpin Avenue, Mahopac, NY 10541; Phone: 845-628-1500
Kent, 25 Sybil’s Crossing, Kent Lakes, NY 10512; Phone: 845-225-3943
Patterson, 1142 Route 311, Patterson, NY 12563; Phone: 845-878-6500
Philipstown, 238 Main Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516; Phone: 845-265-3329
Putnam Valley, 265 Oscawana Lake Road, Putnam Valley, NY 10579; Phone: 845-526-2121
Southeast, 1360 Route 22, Brewster, NY 10509; Phone: 845-279-2196
A limited supply is also available at the Putnam County Department of Health, 1 Geneva Road, Brewster, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Health Department’s mission is to improve and protect the health of the Putnam County community, composed of nearly 100,000 residents. Core services include community health assessment, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, environmental health protection, family health promotion and health education. For more information, please visit the PCDOH website at www.putnamcountyny.com/health or visit the social media sites on Facebook at www.facebook.com/putnamhealth, and Twitter @PutnamHealthNY.
