First Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Rockland

Rockland Daily Staff

The first human case of West Nile virus in Rockland County for 2022 was confirmed today by the Rockland County Health Department. 

County Executive Ed Day and Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert announced that the infected person is a Rockland resident over the age of 50.

The human case of the virus reinforces the urgency of the need for people to protect themselves against mosquito bites and to continue checking their property to get rid of standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Although being infected with West Nile virus does not necessarily result in illness, those aged 50 and older are at a higher risk for serious illness.

West Nile can cause serious complications, including neurological diseases, and can also cause a milder flu-like illness, including fever, headache and body aches, nausea, and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. 

To learn more about reducing mosquito breeding in your yard, call the Rockland County Health Department at 845-364-3173 or visit the Rockland County Health Department's website here.