(Newburgh)-As a result of the continuing monitoring of Orange County’s mosquito population by the Orange County Department of Health, a mosquito pool carrying the West Nile virus was found in the City of Newburgh.“The discovery of West Nile in the mosquito population is a reminder that this virus is still present and a risk,” said Jean M. Hudson, M.D., M.P.H. Residents should wear appropriate clothing and consider sprays when outdoors and check their property for any pooling or stagnant water.
• Minimizing outdoor activities between dusk and dawn
• Wear 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.
• Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors, particularly during evening activities, e.g., fishing. Make sure to follow the directions on the label.
Mosquitoes can breed in any stagnant water that lasts more than four days. To reduce the mosquito population around your home and property taking the following steps reduces or eliminates standing water:
• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
• Remove leaf debris from yards and gardens.
• Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Change the water in birdbaths twice weekly.
• Clean vegetation and debris from edges of ponds.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
• Drain water from pool covers. Also, remove leaves and debris as they collect on covers to reduce breeding areas.
• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens are fashionable but become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
• Automobile tires (limit of four) can be dropped of the City of Newburgh Department of Public Works, 88 Pierces Road. The cost is $2.50 per tire and $3.00 for tires with the rim.
“Now is the time to take extra precautions against West Nile virus. Late summer is the peak mosquito season. It is extremely important that residents remain vigilant in their efforts to reduce their risk of West Nile virus through the basic precautions outlined by the Orange County Department of Health,” said City Manager Jean-Ann McGrane.
Free personal bug repellant is available for residents at the Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 83 Broadway, and the Activity Center located at 400 Washington Street.
For more information on mosquito prevention or protection, contact the Orange County Department of Health at 568-5256 or 568-5250.
