Health officials announced Thursday that mosquitoes collected in Rye and Orangetown have tested positive for the West Nile virus.

Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua Lipsman says it is the first confirmation of the virus in the county. Lipsman says the recent rainstorms and heat have created the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Residents are advised to get rid of any standing water and use insect repellants that contain the chemical DEET.

In Westchester, the county has placed larvacide in 50,000 catch basins, which are marked with orange paint, to prevent the mosquitoes from breeding. And while people can contract the potentially fatal illness from a bite by an infected mosquito, health officials say there are only a dozen confirmed West Nile infections throughout the entire country.

Related Information: Westchester County Dept. of Health