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NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County officials announced Thursday that the first group, or group of mosquitoes, to be tested positive this year in Rockland County for West Nile Virus (WNV) has been confirmed by the Department. of the state of New York.
Infected mosquitoes were collected in a trap in the city of Ramapo during the week of July 15, as part of ongoing mosquito surveillance activities in the county. No human cases have been reported this season. "This is usually the time of year when we expect an increase in West Nile virus activity and this positive mosquito tide confirms this," said County Health Commissioner Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.
While most mosquitoes are not tested positive for the viruses that cause the disease, the bite of a mosquito infected with West Nile virus can cause serious illness and, in some cases, death.
Tips to reduce mosquitoes around your home and garden:
– Check your property for any items that may contain water. Get rid of objects or empty the water and rub the inside of the object at least once a week.
– Drill escape holes at the bottom of recycling containers, turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use and remove all discarded tires.
– If your pool or spa is not used, empty the water from the blanket or treat stagnant water with Mosquito Dunks® and post it accordingly. The dunks are available free of charge at the Ministry of Health, Building D, 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona, from Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, subject to availability.
– Cover the water tanks (buckets, tanks, rain barrels) well so that mosquitoes can not get inside to lay their eggs. For containers without a lid, use wire mesh with smaller holes than an adult mosquito.
– Use an insect spray flying outdoors where mosquitoes rest. Mosquitoes rest in dark, damp places, such as under patio furniture, under the shelter, or in the garage. When using insecticides, always follow the instructions on the label.
– If you have a septic tank, repair any cracks or holes. Cover open vent or plumbing pipes. Use wire mesh with smaller holes than an adult mosquito.
– Make sure the gutters drain properly, clean the vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds and remove leaf debris from yards and gardens.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus (via CDC)
– No symptoms in most people. Most people (8 out of 10) infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms.
– Benign disease with fever in some people. About 1 in 5 infected people develop fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rashes. Most people are completely cured, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or even months.
– Serious symptoms in some people. About 1 in every 150 infected people contract a serious disease of the central nervous system, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).
– Symptoms of serious illness include high fever, headache, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.
– Serious illness can occur in people of all ages. However, people over 60 are at higher risk. People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and people who have had organ transplants are also more exposed.
– Recovery from serious illness can take weeks or months. Some effects on the central nervous system may be permanent.
– About 1 in 10 people who develop a critical illness affecting the central nervous system die.
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