31 August UPDATED 8.28.26: Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found August 31, 2026 By Town Clerk . Community News, General 0 As part of its continued mosquito surveillance efforts, the Orange County Department of Health has confirmed West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in multiple areas across the County. Residents are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites and to eliminate standing water on their properties, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Orange County Government Office of County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus NEWS RELEASE Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found Orange County Executive Neuhaus Urges Precaution As a result of the continuing monitoring of Orange County’s mosquito population by the Orange County Department of Health, the first mosquito pool carrying West Nile Virus was found in the Village of Goshen. “This is an important reminder that mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus are present in our region,” said Orange County Executive Steve 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. Dr. Jennifer Roman continues to recommend protecting yourself against mosquito bites as the season continues. Residents should wear appropriate clothing and consider sprays when outdoors and check their property for any pooling or stagnant water. 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. 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, 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 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]. Stay connected with County Executive Neuhaus and Orange County Government on social media: Facebook: @OrangeCountyGovernment | @StevenMNeuhaus Instagram: @orangecountynygovt | @steve.neuhaus Be sure to also check out the Blueprint Orange video series, a behind-the-scenes look at the projects, places, and people that make our County a great place to live. And don’t miss the newest episode of NeuCast and OC Local Flavor on the Orange County Executive page at https://www.orangecountyny.gov/ Related Articles 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. Updated COVID Guidance From Orange County Updated COVID Guidance From Orange County Updated Holiday Schedule Updated Holiday Schedule Road Work Notice: Cedar Cliff Road & West Mombasha Road Road Work Notice: Cedar Cliff Road & West Mombasha Road. Updated Town of Monroe Domain Name Click HERE to learn more about the Updated Town of Monroe Domain Name. 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