West Nile Virus Detected In Hudson Valley Mosquitoes

NEW CITY, NY — The first pool, or group, of mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile Virus this year in Rockland County has been confirmed by the NYS Department of Health.

The infected mosquitoes were collected from a trap in the Town of Haverstraw last week as part of the county's ongoing mosquito surveillance efforts, said Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. 266 pools have been submitted for testing so far this season.

No human cases have been reported yet this season and the last human case reported in Rockland County was in 2021.

"This time of year is when we see a rise in West Nile Virus activity, and this positive mosquito pool confirms that," said Ruppert.

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

However, a bite from a mosquito infected with WNV can lead to serious illness and, in some cases, death. Although a person's chances of getting ill are small, those aged 50 years and older are at the highest risk for serious illness.

Not everyone infected with WNV will become ill. However, West Nile can lead to serious complications, including neurological diseases, and can also cause a milder flu-like illness, including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. If you suspect you have WNV symptoms, see your physician immediately.

"The Health Department mosquito control team visits all known mosquito breeding sites and applies larvicides throughout the summer in an effort to control the mosquito population, in turn reducing the risk of mosquito borne diseases," said Dr. Ruppert.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water and the eggs then hatch in to larvae that develop in the water for 7-10 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 birdbaths, unused flowerpots, discarded tires and bottle caps. They can also lay their eggs in small ponds or other bodies of stagnant water.

"The Health Department's Mosquito Control Program continually works to control mosquitoes to help protect us all. We ask that every resident do their part by checking their property to eliminate any standing water where mosquitos could breed," said County Executive Day.

According to the county, the best and most effective mosquito control begins in private yards.

Rockland County's Tips For Eliminating Standing Water To Reduce Mosquito Breeding:

• Check your property for any items that can collect water. Anything kept outside, such as kids' toys, buckets, wading pools, canoes and wheelbarrows, should be flipped over when not in use.
• 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 with Mosquito Dunks®, and post accordingly. The 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. Call 845-364-3173 or email to arrange a pickup.
• Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) so 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, such as 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 vents 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.

Rockland County's Tips To Reduce Your Risk Of Being Bitten:

• 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 ensure all windows and doors have screens and that the screens do not have rips, tears, or holes.

To learn more, call the Health Department at 845-364-3173 or visit their website. Learn more about the West Nile Virus here.