West Nile Virus Detected In Rockland for First Time This Season

After testing thirty-three groups of mosquitoes so far this season, the first group carrying the West Nile Virus was detected in Orangetown on Monday, June 17. 

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.