More Groups Of Mosquitos Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Rockland

NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Department of Health has seen a sharp increase in the pools, or groups, of mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile Virus in the past two weeks.

About half of the pools submitted for testing came back positive for WNV, health officials said. You can see the West Nile Virus mosquito pool testing results on the West Nile Virus Webpage.

This uptick can increase the risk to the public’s health for mosquito-borne diseases.

"This time of year is when we often see a rise in West Nile Virus activity, and these positive mosquito pools confirm that," said Amy Isenberg, Environmental Health Specialist, Mosquito Program Coordinator.

No human cases have been reported in the county so far this season; the last reported human case in Rockland was in 2023, health officials said.

Not everyone infected with West Nile Virus will become ill and although a person’s chances of getting sick are small, those aged 50 and older and those with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk for serious illness. Serious complications that can be caused by WNV include neurological diseases, milder flu-like illness, fever, headache, 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.

"While the Health Department mosquito control teams continue to visit known mosquito breeding sites and apply larvicides throughout the summer to control mosquito populations, it is important for residents to practice sensible mosquito control in their backyards to help reduce the risks of WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases," she said. "The best and most effective mosquito control begins in private yards. Eliminating standing water is the first step in reducing mosquito breeding."

Follow these simple mosquito control tips to protect you, your family, and your community:

• Eliminate any stagnant water from property including birdbaths, unused flowerpots, discarded tires, bottle caps, etc.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly and remove leaf debris from yards/gardens.
• Drain water off covers of unused pools or spas or treat the standing water with Mosquito Dunks®.

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 e-mail wnv@co.rockland.ny.us to arrange a pickup.

To reduce your risk of being bitten:

• Cover up when outdoors for long periods or when mosquitoes are more active with long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Use mosquito repellent. (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.
• Close doors and ensure that all windows and doors have screens and that the screens do not have rips, tears, or holes.

If you have concerns about mosquito breeding or standing water in your neighborhood, contact 845-364-3173 or submit a complaint form.

Call the Rockland County Health Department at 845-364-3173 to learn more or visit the Mosquito Control webpage. For more information, visit the New York State Health Department West Nile Virus webpage.