Possibly Deadly West Nile Outbreak Lands in Hudson Valley
Pools of mosquitoes in the Hudson Valley have been found to be carrying West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
The Orange County Department of Health has been working with municipalities where mosquitoes positive for West Nile Virus have been found. There have been 12 positive WNV positive pools and one positive EEE mosquito pool found this season.
There have been no human cases of either virus to date. The deadly virus has also been confirmed in Dutchess and ulster Counties.
The Orange County Department of Health has been monitoring mosquitoes for several years, in addition, licensed pesticide specialist that dispenses larvicide in storm drains throughout the county.
The larvicide is used to help stop the breeding of mosquitoes in the larval stage of life. Larvicide kills the mosquito larva before they become adults and start flying around, looking for a blood meal.
This week, the NYDOH believes that someone with the West Nile Virus donated blood, without knowing they ahd the virus.
While the risk is lower as we near the first frost, people should still wear appropriate clothing and consider insect repellent when outdoors and check their property for any pooling or standing water.
West Nile Virus: What you need to know