Rockland Health Department Reports Increase in Mosquitoes Testing Positive for West Nile Virus

After the first case of West Nile Virus this season was detected at the end of June, as reported by Rockland Daily here, the Rockland County Department of Health reports that more mosquitos have tested positive for the virus over the past two weeks.

Health officials said that nearly half of all of the pools submitted for testing came back positive.

While no human cases have been reported since 2023, residents should still work to protect themselves against mosquito bites and to continue checking their property to get rid of standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Rockland County Health Department's mosquito control team visits known mosquito breeding sites throughout the summer to apply larvicides to control the mosquito population and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

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, body aches, nausea, and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. 

Free mosquito Dunks are available for locations with standing water from the Health Department, Building D, 50 Sanatorium Road in Pomona, Monday - Friday by appointment, while supplies last. Residents can call 845-364-3173 or e-mail [email protected] for pickup.