Sample of mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus in Orangetown

A sample of mosquitoes in Rockland County have tested positive for the West Nile Virus, officials said.

The infected mosquitoes were collected from a trap in Orangetown during the week of June 10 and were submitted for testing on June 17 as part of the Rockland County's mosquito surveillance efforts. The Rockland Department of Health said 33 pools of mosquitoes from around the county have been submitted for testing.

No human cases have been reported this season. The last reported human case of the virus in Rockland was reported in 2023.

"This time of year is when we see a rise in West Nile Virus activity, and this positive mosquito pool confirms that. The Health Department mosquito control team visits all known mosquito breeding sites and applies larvicides throughout the summer to control the mosquito population, reducing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases," said Amy Isenberg, Environmental Health Specialist, Mosquito Program Coordinator.

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What are the consequences of an infected mosquito bite?

The Department of Health said most mosquitoes do not test positive for disease-causing viruses. However, a bite from a West Nile Virus-infected mosquito can cause severe illness and sometimes death.

Not everyone infected with West Nile Virus will become sick, either. Most people's chances of getting sick from the illness are small, but people ages 50 or older are most at risk of infection and serious illness.

Those who do get infected and ill may experience serious complications like neurological diseases but can also experience milder symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, skin rashes and swollen lymph glands. The Department of Health advises anyone who may suspect they have symptoms of West Nile Virus to seek medical treatment right away.

How to reduce risk of West Nile Virus

Rockland County Department of Health said mosquitoes, including those that can spread diseases, lay their eggs in standing water. The eggs hatch into larvae and develop in the water for seven to 10 days before emerging as adult mosquitoes. Common places mosquito larvae are found include birdbaths, unused flowerpots, discarded tires, bottle caps, small ponds and puddles or other bodies of stagnant water.

The Department of Health says the most effective way of controlling mosquito populations begins with eliminating standing water from private yards. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of potential mosquito infestations and West Nile Virus.

• Check your property for any items that can hold water outdoors, including kids' toys, buckets, wading pools, boats and wheelbarrows and flip them over when not in use to prevent standing water.
• Remove all discarded tires and drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers.
• Tightly cover water storage containers so mosquitoes cannot lay eggs inside. For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Make sure to repair cracks or gaps in septic tanks. Cover open vents or plumbing pipes with wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Make sure that roof gutters drain properly and remove plants and other debris from the edges of ponds, yards and gardens.
• If you own a swimming pool, hot tub or jacuzzi, drain the water off the cover when not in use or treat the standing water with Mosquito Dunks® according to instructions. The dunks are available for free at the Health Department, located at Building D, 50 Sanatorium Road in Pomona, Monday through Friday by appointment only. Call 845-364-3173 or email wnv@co.rockland.ny.us to arrange a pickup.

To reduce the risk of a bite:

• Cover up as much as possible, especially when outdoors for long periods of time. When mosquitoes are more active, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Use mosquito repellent according to the product's directions. Do not use 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 while outside.
• Stay indoors when mosquitoes are more active.
• Keep doors closed and make sure that all windows and doors have screens without rips, tears or holes.

To learn more about mosquito control the West Nile Virus, call the Rockland County Health Department at 845-364-3173 or visit the Mosquito Control webpage and the New York State Health Department West Nile Virus webpage.