West Nile virus infected mosquitoes found in Rockland

ORANGETOWN, NY – The first group of mosquitoes to test positive in 2020 for West Nile virus in Rockland County have been found in Orangetown.

County Director Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr Patricia Schnabel Ruppert said infected mosquitoes were collected in a trap during the week of August 3 as part of mosquito surveillance efforts current county. No human cases have been reported this season.

Even the smallest amount of standing water can serve as a breeding site. Mosquitoes lay eggs in these sites which hatch within days. Officials monitor traps across the county each summer.

“We generally expect to see an increase in West Nile virus activity during the summer months, and this positive mosquito pool confirms that,” Dr Ruppert said.

In fact, the virus was detected later than usual.

• The first positive mosquito pool test in 2019 took place the week of July 15.
• The first positive mosquito pool test in 2018 took place the week of June 29.
• The first positive mosquito pool test in 2017 took place the week of June 19.
• The pool’s first positive mosquito test in 2016 was the week of July 10.

Most mosquitoes do not test positive for pathogenic viruses.

In addition, not all people infected with West Nile virus will get sick.

However, a bite from a mosquito infected with West Nile virus can cause serious illness and, in some cases, death. Although a person’s chances of getting sick are low, people aged 50 and over are most at risk of serious illness.

West Nile can cause serious complications, including neurological disease, and can also cause milder flu-like illness, including fever, headache and body aches, nausea, and sometimes a rash and pain. swollen lymph nodes.

If you think you have symptoms of West Nile virus, see your doctor immediately.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs on or near areas of standing water, and their offspring “grow” in the water before emerging as flying and biting adults. Many types of mosquitoes, including those that can spread disease, prefer areas of standing (still) water found around the house, such as birdbaths, bottle caps, unused flower pots, discarded tires, as well as in small ponds or other bodies of standing water.

“Department of Health mosquito control teams will continue to visit all known mosquito breeding sites, including sites near this pool of positive mosquitoes. The larval control activities will continue throughout the summer, ”said Dr Ruppert.

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. Dispose of items or drain the water and scrub the inside of the item at least once a week.
• Drill drainage holes in the bottom of recycling containers, turn wading pools and wheelbarrows upside down when not in use, and remove any discarded tires.
• If you have a pool or spa that is not in use, drain the water from the cover or treat the standing water with Mosquito Dunks® and post accordingly. The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) provides owners of Mosquito Dunks® for their private pools, via curbside pickup. Free events will take place for one (1) hour, one (1) day per week, alternately Every Tuesday and Friday, until October 2020, while stocks last. For more information and to see the schedule of remaining giveaway dates, visit https://bit.ly/30Uf6xC.
• Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) so that mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs. For containers without a lid, use a wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Use an outdoor flying insect spray where mosquitoes roost. Mosquitoes roost in dark, damp areas like under patio furniture, or under the carport or garage. When using insecticides, always follow the directions on the label.
• If you have a septic tank, repair any cracks or gaps. Cover any open vent or plumbing pipes Use a wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Make sure roof gutters are draining properly, clean vegetation and debris from pond edges, and remove leaf debris from backyards and gardens.

To reduce your risk of being bitten, take the following steps:

• Cover yourself as completely as possible. Wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when you are outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are more active.
• Use mosquito repellent, which should always be applied according to label directions. Do not use repellents on babies under two months old. Do not use products containing lemon eucalyptus oil (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under three years of age.
• Cover baby carriers with a mosquito net on the outside.
• Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active.
• Close the doors and make sure that all windows and doors have screens and that the screens do not have any rips, tears or holes.

To learn more, call the Department of Health at 845-364-3173 or visit http://bit.ly/2aXY0E4. To learn more about West Nile virus, visit https://on.ny.gov/2q9KsNb.