West Nile confirmed in Greenwood Lake area

HVNY News + Notes

Aug 11

Written By HVNY

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and the Orange County Department of Health recently announced that “the first mosquito pool carrying West Nile Virus this season has been detected in the Greenwood Lake area.”

The finding, first announced on August 6, is a result of ongoing testing of mosquito-born diseases in the area.

“We still have a long mosquito season ahead of us,” said Orange County Acting Health Commissioner, Dr. Jennifer Roman. “Residents should always try to protect themselves but especially now that West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes have been detected in the county.”

“Residents should wear appropriate clothing, consider sprays when outdoors, and check their property for any pooling or stagnant water. If found, it should be removed as soon as possible.”

Other ways to reduce the risk of mosquito bites:

Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn
Wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when you are outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active
Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors, particularly during evening activities, e.g., fishing. Be sure to follow the directions on the label.

Mosquitoes can breed in any stagnant water that lasts more than four days. To reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, take the following steps to reduce or eliminate standing water:

Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers.
Drill drain holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
Make sure that your roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
Change the water in birdbaths twice a week.
Remove all discarded tires from your property.
Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds.
Drain water from pool covers. Also, remove leaves and debris as they collect on covers to reduce breeding areas.
Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

For more information on mosquito prevention or protection, call the Orange County Department of Health at 845-291-2332.