Connect with us

Government

Rockland County Health Department Issues Tick Bite Prevention Alert as Warm Weather Arrives

Published

1 year ago

on

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – As outdoor activities increase with the arrival of warmer weather, the Rockland County Department of Health is urging residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves from tick bites and the diseases they may carry, including Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, and the rare but serious Powassan virus.

Lyme disease remains the most common tick-borne illness in New York State, and the Hudson Valley region, including Rockland County, continues to be a high-risk area due to the widespread presence of infected blacklegged ticks (deer ticks).

“Ticks, like many of us, become more active during warmer weather. Prevention is the best defense,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health. “Simple steps like using tick repellent, wearing protective clothing, and performing regular tick checks after being outdoors can greatly reduce your risk of getting a tick-borne illness.”

Key Tick Prevention Tips

Avoid Tick Habitats: Stick to the center of clear, well-traveled trails. Avoid tall grasses, bushy areas, and stone walls.

Perform Frequent Tick Checks: Brush off ticks while outside, and do full-body tick checks when returning indoors—especially within two hours.

Proper Clothing: Wear light-colored long sleeves, pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes. Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants for added protection.

Safe Tick Removal: Use fine-tipped tweezers to gently pull ticks straight out without twisting or squeezing. Prompt removal reduces the risk of infection.

Use Insect Repellent: Select repellents designed to deter ticks and always follow label instructions.

What to Do If You Find a Tick or Have Symptoms

If you discover a tick on yourself, a child, or a pet, remove it promptly and monitor for symptoms such as rash, fever, or flu-like illness. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop, as early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing serious complications.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Government

Clarkstown Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl Launches Text Alerts for Tax Bill Updates

Published

4 days ago

on

August 9, 2026

By

CLARKSTOWN, NY — Beginning with the new tax season on September 1, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will offer residents a new and convenient way to receive updates about their tax bills directly by text message.

Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl announced that residents can opt in to the service by texting “TAXINFO” to 845-644-6899.

Once a resident’s tax bill is ready, those enrolled will receive a text message containing a link. Residents can then enter their property address to view their tax bill and, if they choose, make a payment online.

The new text notification system does not replace traditional mailed tax bills. Residents who sign up for the service will continue to receive their regular tax bill in the mail. The text alerts are intended to provide an additional and more convenient way for residents to know when their bills are available and access their information.

“Residents asked for a simpler way to receive tax bill information, and I’m proud that we were able to make it happen,” Wohl said.

Residents with questions about the new service can contact the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 845-639-2010.

Continue Reading

Government

Flock Cameras in Rockland County: Safety Tool or Privacy Concern?

Published

5 days ago

on

August 8, 2026

By

Flock cameras have become an increasingly debated topic across the country, including here in Rockland County.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics as vehicles pass by. Police can use the information to assist with investigations, including locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with wanted suspects, helping find missing people and developing leads following crimes.

One of the cameras pictured is located outside The Shops at Nanuet in Clarkstown. A graphic from the website DeFlock also shows reported camera locations throughout the area.

Supporters say the technology can give police an important investigative tool and help solve crimes more quickly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy and the collection of information about where people drive, even when they are not suspected of committing a crime.

The debate ultimately comes down to a question of public safety versus privacy.

What do you think? Are Flock cameras a valuable tool for law enforcement, or are they an intrusion on your privacy?

Continue Reading

Trending