West Nile mosquitoes found in Goshen and Greenwood Lake

GOSHEN — A mosquito pool carrying the West Nile virus was found in both the Village of Greenwood Lake and Village of Goshen, Orange County Health Commissioner, Jean M. Hudson, announced on Friday, July 27. She said the virus was found as a result of the health department's mosquito monitoring program. “The discovery of West Nile in the mosquito population is a reminder that this virus is still present and a risk,” said Hudson. "Residents should wear appropriate clothing and consider sprays when outdoors and check their property for any pooling or stagnant water." West Nile virus is an infection transmitted by mosquitoes. If you become infected with the virus, you may not experience any signs or symptoms or you may experience only minor ones, such as fever and mild headache. However, some people who become infected with West Nile virus develop a life-threatening illness that includes inflammation of the brain. Mild signs and symptoms of a West Nile virus infection generally go away on their own. But severe signs and symptoms — such as a severe headache, disorientation or sudden weakness — require immediate attention. Exposure to mosquitoes where West Nile virus exists increases your risk of getting West Nile virus. Protect yourself from mosquitoes by using mosquito repellent and wearing clothing that covers your skin to reduce your risk.

How to reduce exposure to West Nile virus

Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn. Wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when you are outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active. Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors, particularly during evening activities, like fishing. Make sure to follow the directions on the label.

Mosquitoes can breed in any stagnant water that lasts more than four days and our monitoring this year indicates higher mosquito counts than we have seen for several years. To reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, take the following steps to reduce or eliminate standing water:

Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers. Drill drain holes 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, especially now that leaves are beginning to fall. Drain water from pool covers. Also, remove leaves and debris as they collect on covers to reduce breeding areas. Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens are fashionable but become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.

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