Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found in Greenwood Lake

For Immediate Release                                                                           Contact: Rebecca Sheehan
August 6, 2025                                                                                           Phone: (845) 291-2700

 

Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found in Greenwood Lake
Orange County Executive Neuhaus Urges Residents to Take Precautions

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and the Orange County Department of Health announced that the first mosquito pool carrying West Nile Virus this season has been detected in the Greenwood Lake area.

“This is an important reminder that mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus are present in our region,” said Neuhaus. “The Orange County Department of Health is here to keep you informed and safe. They provide the tools, resources, and guidance residents need to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and to reduce the risk of bites to themselves and their families.”

The finding comes as part of the County’s ongoing mosquito surveillance efforts to protect public health.

“We still have a long mosquito season ahead of us. Residents should always try to protect themselves but especially now that West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes have been detected in the County,” said Orange County Acting Health Commissioner, Dr. Jennifer Roman. “Residents should wear appropriate clothing, consider sprays when outdoors, and check their property for any pooling or stagnant water. If found, it should be removed as soon as possible.”

Other ways residents can reduce the risk of mosquito bites:

• Minimize 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. Be 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, take the following steps to reduce or eliminate standing water:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers.
• Drill drain holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
• Make sure that your roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
• Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Change the water in birdbaths twice a week.
• Remove all discarded tires from your property.
• Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds.
• 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.

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

For general media inquiries, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive and Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845-291-2700 or [email protected].

To stay informed about County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus’ work and initiatives across Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on social media:

• Facebook: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus
• Instagram: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus
• X (formerly Twitter): @OCGovNY | @SNeuhausOC

You can also watch NeuCast podcasts and the Leadership Speaker Series on the Orange County Government YouTube channel.