Mosquito Found Carrying West Nile Virus Found in Orange County, New York

What is West Nile Virus?

You've probably heard about the West Nile virus that mosquitos carry, right?

But do you know what it is exactly?

Officials believe the virus was introduced "from Africa or the Middle East through infected mosquitoes that traveled on migratory birds." According to the National Institute of Health, West Nile made it's fire appearance in the United State in August of 1999 in New York City.

The West Nile Virus shows itself in humans with symptoms fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash as reported by the CDC.

Currently, there is no preventative vaccine to protect humans from the mosquito-borne disease.

Local Hudson Valley officials are now reporting the first West Nile Virus case this season in Orange County.

West Nile Virus Detected in Greenwood Lake, New York

The Orange County Department of Health and Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus announced earlier this week the "first mosquito pool carrying West Nile Virus."

The virus was detected in the Greenwood Lake area of Orange County. The County is in the middle of mosquito surveillance. Orange County's Acting Health Commissioner, Dr. Jennifer Roman, said in a statement:

Residents should always try to protect themselves but especially now that West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes have been detected in the County

Executive Neuhaus adds that this is an important reminder "that mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus are present in our region."

How to Protect Your Family From West Nile Virus

There are several ways to keep your family safe for the remainder of mosquito season.

To keep yourself and your family safe from West Nile Virus, Dr. Jennifer Roman suggests wearing appropriate clothing as well as encouraging residents to "check their property for any pooling or stagnant water."

If there is pooling on your property is should be "removed as soon as possible." The County shared the following steps to reduce 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.

Orange County also suggests minimizing outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, wearing shoes/socks/long pants/ long sleeved shirts when you're outside, and consider using mosquito repellent.

For more details on mosquito prevention and protection you can reach out to the Orange County Department of Health at 845-291-2332.