First West Nile virus pool of mosquitoes found in Rockland County

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

The infected mosquitoes were collected from a trap in the Town of Orangetown during the week of August 3 as part of the county’s ongoing mosquito surveillance efforts. No human cases have been reported this season.

“We typically expect to see a rise in West Nile Virus activity during the summer months, and this positive mosquito pool confirms that,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.

In previous summers, positive mosquito pools were located in Rockland in Une or July.

Most mosquitoes do not test positive for disease-causing viruses. However, 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 on or near areas of standing water, and their offspring “grow up” in the water before emerging as adults that fly and bite. Many types of mosquitoes, including those that can spread disease, prefer areas of stagnant water found around the home such as in birdbaths, bottle caps, unused flowerpots, discarded tires, as well as in small ponds or other bodies of stagnant water.

There is a lot you can do to reduce mosquitoes around your home and yard:

  • Check your property for any items that can hold water. Get rid of the items or empty the water out and scrub the inside of the item at least once a week.
  • Drill drain holes in the bottoms of recycling containers, turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use, 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 Rockland County Department of Health provides homeowners with Mosquito Dunks® for their private swimming pools.

 

 




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