Positive West Nile virus mosquito pool found in Orange County

Aug 31, 2023

GOSHEN - The Orange County Health Department announced Wednesday a pool of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus was found in the village of Goshen.

This was the second positive mosquito pool found this year in the county. The first was found in the town of New Windsor in July.

"Residents should remember that even though summer is winding down, mosquito season is not over," Dr. Alicia Pointer, Orange County's health commissioner, said in a statement. "Continue to protect yourselves and your families from mosquito bites."

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Mosquitoes can breed in any stagnant water that lasts more than four days.

To reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, the country recommends disposing of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots and similar containers that can hold water; drill drain holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are kept outdoors; make sure your roof gutters drain properly, and clean them in the spring and fall; turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use; change the water in birdbaths twice a week; remove discarded tires from your property; drain water from pool covers and remove leaves and debris as they collect on covers to reduce breeding areas; and use landscaping to eliminate standing water on your property.

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Pointer said residents should wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirts when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active; consider repellant sprays when outdoors; and minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.

For more information on mosquito prevention or protection, call the Orange County Health Department at 845-291-2332.

Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record, Poughkeepsie Journal and The Journal News/lohud. Reach him at [email protected] or on Twitter @mikerandall845.