Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found in Orange County

As a result of seasonal monitoring of the County's mosquito population by the Orange County Department of Health, a mosquito sample carrying the West Nile virus was found. Each year, there are typically several positive mosquito samples; this was the first in 2024.

"We still have a long mosquito season ahead of us. Residents should always try to protect themselves, but especially now that West Nile virus positive mosquitoes have been detected in the County," said Orange County Health Commissioner Alicia Pointer, DO, MPH, FAAP. "Residents should wear appropriate clothing, and consider sprays when outdoors, check their property for any standing water."

Follow these guidelines:

• Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
• Wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when you are outdoors for an extended period or when mosquitoes are most active.
• Consider using mosquito repellent when outdoors, particularly during evening activities. Be sure to follow the directions on the label.

Mosquitoes can breed in any standing water that lasts more than four days. To reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, County Executive Neuhaus reminds you to follow these steps to keep you and your families safe.

• Dispose of cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers.
• Drill holes for draining 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 and remove leaves and debris as they collect on covers to reduce breeding areas.

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

For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive, Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845.291.2700 or [email protected].

To learn more about what County Executive Neuhaus is doing for Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook, @Orange County NY Govt and @steve.neuhaus on Instagram, and @OCGovNY and @SNeuhausOC on X.

You can also watch or listen to Neuhaus' NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series on YouTube or Spotify.

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