Health Department Reports First Human Case of West Nile Virus in 2025

County Health Department Reminds Residents to Take Precautions Against Mosquitoes

NEW CITY, NY, - Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Leahy confirmed the season's first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in a county resident. West Nile virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the NYSDOH Statewide Mosquito-borne Disease Activity 2025 Report, as of September 20^th, there have been 26 human cases outside of New York City (NYC) and 11 human cases in NYC.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. Some individuals may experience mild illness with flu-like symptoms. Severe illness can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, paralysis, or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Less than 1% of people infected develop severe illness that affects the nervous system, requires hospitalization, or results in death.  The risk of severe illness increases with age and in individuals with underlying medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or a weakened immune system.

“While most mosquitoes do not carry disease-causing viruses, this case of West Nile virus reminds us of the importance of protecting ourselves from mosquito bites. If you develop symptoms of West Nile virus, contact your healthcare provider immediately,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health.

To reduce the risk of being bitten by a mosquito, take the following steps:

• When outdoors, especially between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, wear long, loose-fitting shirts and pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes. Keep in mind that some mosquito species are active during the day as well.
• Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered mosquito repellent, according to label directions. Do not use repellent on babies under 2 months old and avoid oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old.
• Cover baby carriers with mosquito netting when outside.
• Check screens on doors and windows to ensure they do not have holes.

Mosquitoes breed in standing water.  The eggs then hatch into larvae that develop in the water for 7 to 10 days before emerging as adult mosquitoes that fly and bite. Many mosquito species, including those that can spread disease, breed in common household items such as birdbaths, unused flowerpots, discarded tires, bottle caps, as well as in small ponds or other bodies of stagnant water.

 For Property Owners and Renters:

• Keep your property free of any items that can hold water and debris. Flip over toys, buckets, canoes, wading pools, and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers and remove discarded tires.
• Tightly cover water storage containers or use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Repair cracks or gaps in septic tanks and cover open vents or pipes with wire mesh.
• Ensure gutters drain properly, and remove leaves, debris, and vegetation from ponds, yards, and gardens.

 For Pool Owners:

• Maintain swimming pools and hot tubs. Keep pool covers DRY and free of holes, tears, and/or gaps. For mesh covers, make sure the cover is taut, and the pool water is at a low enough level so as not to rise through the mesh after heavy rain.
• If your pool does not have a cover, the pool water must be constantly circulating and disinfected, or otherwise treated with a larvicide, to avoid potential mosquito breeding.
• Drain water off pool covers or treat standing water with Mosquito Dunks®. Dunks are available free of charge at the Health Department in Pomona, Monday through Friday, by appointment only, while supplies last. Call 845-364-3173 or email wnv@co.rockland.ny.us to arrange pickup.

For more information, call the Rockland County Health Department at 845-364-3173 or visit the Mosquito Control webpage. Additional resources are available on the New York State Health Department’s West Nile Virus webpage and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

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