The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) announces that the New York State Department of Health has confirmed the first mosquito pool, or group of mosquitoes, to test positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Rockland County this season.

The infected mosquitoes (Culex pipiens-Cx. Restuans) were collected from a surveillance trap in the Town of Haverstraw during the week of June 22nd as part of the County’s mosquito surveillance program. The sample was submitted for testing on June 29th. So far this year, 66 mosquito pools have been submitted for testing.  No human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in Rockland this season. The most recent confirmed human case was reported in 2025.

“Warmer weather brings increased mosquito activity and a greater risk of West Nile Virus,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health. “Our team actively monitors and treats mosquito breeding areas throughout the county to help reduce mosquito populations and lower the risk of disease transmission.”

With the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaching, the RCDOH reminds residents that many outdoor activities take place when mosquitoes are most active. Whether attending a barbecue, watching fireworks, or spending time outside with family and friends, residents should take simple steps to prevent mosquito bites and help reduce their risk of West Nile Virus.

Most mosquitoes do not carry WNV. However, people can become sick if bitten by an infected mosquito. Adults age 50 and older and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness.

Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Nausea
• Skin rash
• Swollen lymph glands

In rare cases, the virus can cause serious illnesses such as encephalitis (brain inflammation) or meningitis (inflammation of the tissues around the brain and spinal cord). Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Residents can help reduce mosquito populations:

• Empty containers that collect water, such as birdbaths, flowerpots, buckets, and tires.
• Turn over outdoor items when not in use.
• Drain or treat unused swimming pools or hot tubs. If you have a swimming pool or hot tub that is not in use, drain the water off the cover or treat the standing water with Mosquito Dunks®. The dunks are available free of charge at the Health Department in Pomona, Monday through Friday by appointment only, while supplies last.To arrange a pickup, please call 845-364-3173 or e-mail [email protected].
• Cover rain barrels and other water storage containers.
• Maintain septic systems by repairing cracks and covering open vents with fine mesh.
• Clean gutters to remove yard debris.

To protect yourself, follow these steps to help prevent mosquito bites:

• Wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors.
• Use mosquito repellent as directed. Do not use repellent on babies younger than 2 months old. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children younger than 3 years old.
• Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
• Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dusk and dawn.
• Keep window and door screens in good condition.

Call the Rockland County Health Department at 845-364-3173 to learn more or visit the Mosquito Control webpage. For more information, visit the New York State Health Department’s West Nile Virus webpage.