ORANGETOWN, NY – The first group of mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus in Rockland County in 2020 has been found in Orangetown.
County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert said the infected mosquitoes were collected from a trap during the week of August 3 as part of ongoing mosquito surveillance efforts. No human cases have been reported this season.
Even the smallest amount of standing water can serve as a breeding ground. Mosquitoes lay eggs in these sites that hatch within a few days. Officials check traps in the province every summer.
“We typically expect an increase in West Nile Virus activity during the summer months, and this positive mosquito pool confirms that,” said Drs. Ruppert.
In fact, the virus was later discovered to be normal.
- The first positive mosquito pool test in 2019 was the week of July 15th.
- The first positive mosquito pool test in 2018 was the week of June 29th.
- The first positive mosquito pool test in 2017 was the week of June 19th.
- The first positive mosquito pool test in 2016 was the week of July 10th.
Most mosquitoes do not test positive for viruses that cause disease.
Also not everyone infected with West Nile Virus will get sick.
However, a bite from a West Nile Virus-infected mosquito can cause serious illness, and in some cases, death. Although the chances of a person becoming ill are small, those 50 years and older are at the highest risk for serious illness.
West Nile can cause serious complications, including neurological diseases, and can also cause a mild flu-like illness, including fever, headache and body aches, nausea, and sometimes a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes.
If you think you have symptoms of West Nile Virus, see your doctor straight 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 (still) water around the house, such as in birdbaths, bottle caps, unused flower pots, forged bands, such as stagnant water in small ponds or other bodies. .
“Health department’s mouth control teams will continue to visit all known mosquito breeding sites, including places near this positive mosquito pool. Larval control activities will continue throughout the summer,” said Dr Ruppert.
There is a lot that can be done to reduce mosquitoes around your home and garden:
- Check your property for ANY items that may hold water. Forget the items or drain the water and scrub the inside of the item at least once a week.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling bins, turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use, and remove any missing tires.
- If you have a pool or spa that is not in use, turn the water off the cover or treat the standing water with Mosquito Dunks®, and post accordingly. The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) provides homeowners with Mosquito Dunks® for their private pools, via sidewalk pick-up. Giveaway events will take place for One (1) hour, One (1) day a week, alternating Every other Tuesday and Friday until October 2020, while deliveries last. Visit https://bit.ly/30Uf6xC for more information and to see the schedule of remaining giveaway dates.
- Cover the storage containers of water (buckets, cisterns, rain fats) so that mosquitoes cannot enter to lay eggs. For containers without lids use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
- Use an outside flying injection spray where mosquitoes rest. Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid areas such as under patio furniture, or under the carport or garage. Always follow etiquette instructions when using insecticides.
- If you have a septic tank, repair cracks or holes. Cover open vent or plumbing pipes. Use gauze with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
- Ensure that roofing material drowns properly, clears vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds, and removes leaf litter from gardens and orchards.
To reduce your risk of bites, take the following steps:
- Cover-up as completely as possible. Wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt if you are outdoors for long periods or if mosquitoes are active.
- Use mosquito repellent, which should always be applied according to label directions. Do not use repellents on babies less than two months old. Do not use products containing lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane diol (PMD) oil on children under three years of age.
- Cover poplars with mosquito nets when outdoors.
- Stay inside when mosquitoes are active.
- Close doors and make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that the screens have no ribs, tears or holes.
To learn more, call the Department of Health at 845-364-3173 or visit http://bit.ly/2aXY0E4. Visit https://on.ny.gov/2q9KsNb for more information on the West Nile virus.
