New City, NY – The Rockland County Department of Health has confirmed the first positive mosquito pool for West Nile Virus (WNV) in the county this season. The infected mosquitoes, identified as Culex pipiens-restuans, were collected from a surveillance trap in the Town of Orangetown during the week of June 30th. The sample was submitted for testing on July 7th. So far this year, 183 mosquito pools have been tested, with no human cases reported as of yet. The most recent confirmed human case in Rockland County occurred in 2023.
Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health, emphasized the importance of vigilance as mosquito activity increases in the warmer months, raising the risk of West Nile Virus. “Our team works tirelessly to locate mosquito breeding sites and apply larvicide to reduce mosquito populations and mitigate the risk of mosquito-borne diseases,” said Leahy.
While most mosquitoes do not carry WNV, a bite from an infected mosquito can lead to serious illness, particularly in individuals aged 50 and older or those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of WNV can range from mild flu-like signs, such as fever, headache, body aches, and nausea, to more severe neurological diseases like encephalitis or meningitis.
What You Can Do to Prevent West Nile Virus
The most effective way to prevent mosquito breeding is by eliminating standing water around your property. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, and the larvae develop into adult mosquitoes within 7 to 10 days. Here are some tips to reduce mosquito breeding:
- Empty or remove any items that collect water, such as birdbaths, flowerpots, discarded tires, and bottle caps.
- Turn over outdoor items like kids’ toys, buckets, and wading pools when not in use to prevent water accumulation.
- Properly dispose of old tires, and drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers to allow drainage.
- Drain or treat unused swimming pools or hot tubs, and use Mosquito Dunks®, available for free at the Health Department in Pomona (by appointment).
- Cover water storage containers tightly and maintain septic systems by repairing cracks and covering vents with fine mesh.
- Clean gutters and remove leaf debris from yards and gardens to ensure proper drainage.
How to Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites
To further reduce your risk of mosquito bites, take these precautions:
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, shoes, and socks, especially during the evening when mosquitoes are most active.
- Apply mosquito repellent according to the label instructions. Avoid using repellent on babies under 2 months old, and don’t use products with oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children younger than 3 years old.
- Cover baby carriers with mosquito netting.
- Stay indoors during peak mosquito activity times, typically dusk to dawn.
- Ensure that windows and doors are properly screened and free from tears or holes.
For more information on mosquito control or to schedule a pickup for Mosquito Dunks, call the Rockland County Health Department at 845-364-3173 or email at wnv@co.rockland.ny.us. You can also visit the New York State Health Department’s West Nile Virus webpage for further details.