Rockland County Reports First West Nile Mosquitoes Of Season
NEW CITY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Rockland County officials have found the first group of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus this year.
The infected mosquitoes were found in the Town of Clarkston during the week of June 15, according to a news release.
No human cases have been reported so far this season, the release said.
"This is the time of the year we expect to see a rise in West Nile Virus activity and the positive results confirm that," Rockland County Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert said in a news release. "Health Department mosquito control teams will continue to treat all known mosquito breeding sites, including those near these positive mosquito pools. Larval control activities will continue throughout the summer."
Most people infected with the mosquito-borne virus either show no symptoms or suffer a flu-like illness. A small number develop a serious illness that can lead to neurological damage.
Officials suggest people take the following precautions to protect themselves against mosquitoes:
• Wear insect repellent and covering up outside in the late afternoon and evening.
• Check toys and play houses for standing water.
• Turn over containers, wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Change the water in birdbaths at least twice weekly.
• Sweep puddles off driveways after it rains.
• Clear storm drains and gutters.
• Clean and chlorinate pools and hot tubs and drain water off their covers.