Westchester County Department of Health
For general information and 24-hour/7 day-a-week public health emergencies call:
(914) 813-5000.
Physicians can report suspected or confirmed communicable diseases 24-hours/7 days-a-week
During Normal Business Hours:
TB - (914) 995-5374
STI - (914) 813-5115
All Other Diseases – (914) 813-5159
After Hours:
All Diseases - (914) 813-5000
Hantavirus
A rare strain of hantavirus has been featured in the news after being detected on a cruise ship abroad. The strain associated with the outbreak on the ship is called Andes virus. It is found in South America and is the only hantavirus strain known to spread between people. However, person-to-person transmission of the Andes strain is rare and generally requires prolonged, close contact with an infected person. There have been no confirmed cases of hantavirus in New York state. Currently, the risk of exposure to Westchester County and New York State residents is extremely low. Learn more about the Andes strain of Hantavirus.
Infant Formula Recall
The a2 Milk Company (“a2MC”) has voluntarily recalled three specific batches of its imported “a2 Platinum Premium infant formula 0-12 months Milk-based powder with Iron” due to the presence of cereulide. Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced by some strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus. Illness occurs through the consumption of products contaminated with the toxin and preparing formula with hot water will not eliminate it. Symptoms typically develop within 30 minutes to six hours after ingestion and most often involve gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting that typically self-resolve within 24 hours. Infants are at greater risk due to their developing immune systems and can experience complications such as dehydration which require medical care. Learn more about the specific batches of formula being recalled.
Protect Against Tick Bites and Prevent Disease
Ticks can carry and transmit a range of diseases that pose risks to our health, most commonly Lyme disease, which is spread by infected blacklegged (deer) ticks. Ticks are normally found in wooded, brushy, and grassy areas, making it more likely you’ll be exposed when spending time outdoors. In addition to Lyme disease, ticks in New York may also transmit other illnesses such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and Powassan virus disease. Tick bites are often painless and ticks can be very small, so you may be unaware that you have been bitten. Recognizing tick habitats, understanding how tick-borne diseases are spread, and taking preventive measures—such as using insect repellent, wearing light colored long sleeves and pants, and performing thorough tick checks—are key to reducing your risk of tick-borne diseases.
New York State Department of Health Confirms That Childhood Vaccination Policies Remain Unchanged
The New York State Department of Health has confirmed that New York State's existing childhood vaccination policies, including school immunization requirements, remain unchanged at this time following a recent federal announcement revising routine childhood immunization recommendations. There is no change to vaccine access, insurance coverage, liability protections or the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which continues to provide vaccines at no cost to eligible children. Learn more about childhood vaccines.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to infect birds and mammals across the U.S. and Canada, including New York State. With wild bird mortalities from HPAI increasing in late fall and peaking over the winter months, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reminds New Yorkers to stay alert. Learn how to protect yourself, your family and pets from Avian Influenza.
Strategic Plan
The Westchester County Department of Health’s strategic plan outlines our mission, vision, and core values defining the purpose, direction, and guiding principles of our department. You will also find strategic priorities, goals, and objectives that embody our firm commitment to assuring healthy, thriving and empowered communities for all of our residents. WCDH’s Strategic Plan lays the groundwork for our department to continue to be a leader in public health.
Employment Opportunities at Westchester County Department of Health
Our Health Department team is rapidly expanding and we are looking to hire public health professionals in various fields. View our open jobs and apply today.