West Nile found in Orange County, again
Mosquito pools carrying the West Nile virus have been detected in the Village of Goshen, according to Orange County officials. The finding was part of ongoing testing for the virus across the county.
“This is an important reminder that mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus are present in our region,” said Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus.
West Nile was also confirmed after testing in the Greenwood Lake area earlier this summer.
Dr. Jennifer Roman of the Orange County Department of Health advises residents to continue to protect against mosquito bites as the season continues. Residents should wear appropriate clothing and consider sprays when outdoors and check their property for any pooling or stagnant water.
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.
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