West Nile Virus Found in Middletown and Newburgh

As part of the ongoing effort to monitor the mosquito population in Orange County, the Orange County Department of Health discovered two mosquito pools carrying the West Nile virus this week in the Town of Newburgh and in the City of Middletown.

Residents are advised to wear appropriate clothing such as 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.  Additionally, you can help reduce your risk by minimizing outdoor activities between dusk and dawn and consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors.

It's also a good idea to check your property for any pooling or stagnant water as mosquitoes can breed in any stagnant water that lasts more than four days.  Here are a few steps you can take to reduce or eliminate standing water:  Drill drain holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors, turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use, and change the water in birdbaths twice a week. Click here for more suggestions.

An episode of The Doctors talked about the West Nile Virus, including prevention and symptoms.