Mosquitoes With West Nile Virus Found In Two Rockland Towns

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The first two pools, or groups, of mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile Virus this year in Rockland County has been confirmed by the New York State Department of Health.

The infected mosquitoes were collected from traps in the Town of Orangetown and Town of Clarkstown during the week of June 21 as part of the county's ongoing mosquito surveillance efforts, said Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.

No human cases have been reported this season. The last human case reported in Rockland was in 2018.

"This is typically the time of the year we expect to see a rise in West Nile Virus activity, and these positive mosquito pools confirm that," said Dr. Ruppert.

Most mosquitoes do not test positive for disease-causing viruses.

A bite from a West Nile Virus-infected mosquito can cause serious illness, and in some cases, death. Although a person's chances of getting sick are small, those aged 50 and older are at the highest risk for serious illness.

Not everyone infected with West Nile Virus will become ill. However, West Nile can cause serious complications, including neurological diseases, and can also cause a milder flu-like illness, including fever, headache and body aches, nausea, and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. If you think you have symptoms of West Nile Virus, see your doctor right away.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. The eggs hatch into larvae that develop in the water for 7 to 10 days before emerging as adult mosquitoes that fly and bite. Many types of mosquitoes, including those that can spread disease, lay their eggs in items around the home, such as in birdbaths, unused flowerpots, discarded tires, and even bottle caps, as well as in small ponds or other bodies of stagnant water.

"The dedicated professionals in our Health Department's Mosquito Control Program are doing their utmost to protect us all. We ask that you do your part in checking your property to eliminate any standing water where mosquitos could breed," Day said.

The best and most effective mosquito control begins in your yard. Eliminating standing water is the first step in reducing mosquito breeding:

• Check your property for ANY items that can hold water. Anything you choose to keep outside, such as kids' toys, buckets, wading pools, canoes, and wheelbarrows, should be flipped over when not used to prevent them from collecting any water.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers and remove all discarded tires.
• If you have a swimming pool or spa that is not in use, drain the water off the cover or treat the standing water. Dunks are available free of charge at the Health Department, Building D, 50 Sanatorium Road in Pomona, Monday - Friday by appointment only, while supplies last. Signage is also provided for proper posting (that pesticides were used) on or nearby.
  Call 845-364-3173 or e-mail wnv@co.rockland.ny.us to arrange a pickup.
• Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) so that mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs. For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Use an outdoor flying insect spray where mosquitoes rest. Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid areas like under patio furniture or under the carport or garage. When using insecticides, always follow label instructions.
• If you have a septic tank, repair cracks or gaps. Cover open vent or plumbing pipes. Use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Make sure that roof gutters drain properly, clear vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds, and remove leaf debris from yards and gardens.

To reduce your risk of being bitten, take the following steps:

• Cover up as completely as possible. Wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods or when mosquitoes are more active.
• Use mosquito repellent, which should always be applied according to label directions. Do not use repellent on babies younger than 2 months old. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children younger than 3 years old.
• Cover baby carriers with mosquito netting when outside.
• Stay indoors when mosquitoes are more active.
• Close doors and make sure all windows and doors have screens and that the screens do not have rips, tears, or holes.