The first pool of mosquitoes to test positive this year in New York State for West Nile virus has been confirmed by the state Health Department in Rockland County.
The infected mosquitoes were collected in the Town of Clarkstown during the week of June 15 as part of the county’s ongoing West Nile virus surveillance efforts.
No human cases have been reported this season.
“This is the time of year we expect to see a rise in West Nike virus activity and the positive results confirm that,” said Rockland County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. “Health Department mosquito control teams will continue to treat all known mosquito breeding sites, including those near these positive mosquito pools.” She said larval control activities will continue throughout the summer.
Mosquitoes carry several diseases, including West Nile virus and dog heartworm.
Even the smallest amount of standing water can serve as a breeding site. Mosquitoes lay eggs in those sites that hatch within a few days.
