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Over The Past Two Weeks RCDOH Has Seen A Sharp Increase With Approximately Half Of The Pools Submitted For Testing Came Back Positive for WNV

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2 years ago

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This uptick can increase the risk to the public’s health for mosquito-borne diseases. No human cases have been reported in the county this season; the last reported human case in Rockland was in 2023. View West Nile Virus mosquito pool testing results on the West Nile Virus Webpage.

“This time of year is when we often see a rise in West Nile Virus activity, and these positive mosquito pools confirm that. While the Health Department mosquito control teams continue to visit known mosquito breeding sites and apply larvicides throughout the summer to control mosquito populations, it is important for residents to practice sensible mosquito control in their backyards to help reduce the risks of WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases,” said Amy Isenberg, Environmental Health Specialist, Mosquito Program Coordinator. “The best and most effective mosquito control begins in private yards.  Eliminating standing water is the first step in reducing mosquito breeding.”

Not everyone infected with West Nile Virus will become ill and although a person’s chances of getting sick are small, those aged 50 and older and those with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk for serious illness. Serious complications that can be caused by WNV include neurological diseases, milder flu-like illness, fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. If you think you have symptoms of West Nile Virus, see your doctor right away.

If you have concerns about mosquito breeding or standing water in your neighborhood, contact 845-364-3173 or submit a complaint form.

Follow these simple mosquito control tips to protect you, your family, and your community:

  • Eliminate any stagnant water from property including birdbaths, unused flowerpots, discarded tires, bottle caps, etc.
  • Make sure roof gutters drain properly and remove leaf debris from yards/gardens.
  • Drain water off covers of unused pools or spas or treat the standing water with Mosquito Dunks®.

Dunks are available free of charge at the Health Department, Building D, 50 Sanatorium Road in Pomona, Monday – Friday by appointment only, while supplies last. Call 845-364-3173 or e-mail wnv@co.rockland.ny.us to arrange a pickup.

To reduce your risk of being bitten:

  • Cover up when outdoors for long periods or when mosquitoes are more active with long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
  •  Use mosquito repellent. (Do not use repellent on babies younger than 2 months old. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children younger than 3 years old.)
  •  Cover baby carriers with mosquito netting when outside.
  •  Close doors and ensure that all windows and doors have screens and that the screens do not have rips, tears, or holes.

Call the Rockland County Health Department at 845-364-3173 to learn more or visit the Mosquito Control webpage. For more information, visit the New York State Health Department West Nile Virus webpage.

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms — Here’s Where to Get Help

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2 weeks ago

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October 4, 2026

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms: Resources Are Available

Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It can also include psychological and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and economic coercion.

Abusers may use a variety of tactics to frighten, manipulate, isolate, blame or harm victims as a way of maintaining power and control.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Resources

Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
Hotline: 845-634-3344
Website: centerforsafetyandchange.org

The Center for Safety and Change provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
Website: opdv.ny.gov

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides information, assistance and resources related to domestic violence throughout New York.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends and family members seeking guidance.

If you or someone you know is being abused, reaching out for help can be an important first step. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911.

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Government

Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

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2 weeks ago

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September 28, 2026

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A simple home water audit can help residents find hidden leaks, reduce water waste and lower household utility bills.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to conduct a simple home water audit to identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency, reduce utility costs and help protect the county’s long-term water resources.

While homeowners often focus on conserving water outdoors during the summer, indoor water use can account for a significant portion of a household’s overall water consumption. Small leaks, aging plumbing fixtures and inefficient appliances can waste thousands of gallons of water each year without being noticed.

A home water audit can help residents identify where water is being wasted and find opportunities to conserve.

Four Simple Ways to Check Your Home

The Water Advisory Council recommends that residents start by:

  • Checking the water meter: Make sure no water is being used in the home, then check the meter. Movement may indicate a hidden leak.
  • Testing toilets for leaks: Use dye tablets to check for silent toilet leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Upgrading plumbing fixtures: Consider replacing older fixtures with WaterSense®-labeled products, which are designed to use less water while maintaining performance.
  • Inspecting irrigation systems: Check outdoor irrigation equipment for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and other problems that can waste hundreds of gallons of water during the summer.

Free Water Conservation Resources Available

Rockland County residents can also access resources designed to make water conservation easier.

Residents can visit EPA WaterSense for information about saving water at home and use educational materials available through the Rockland County Water Hero program.

Rebates are also available through Veolia for qualifying WaterSense® products. Eligible products may include select toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rain barrels.

The Water Advisory Council is also offering free water conservation tools, including:

  • Shower timers
  • Toilet leak-detection tablets
  • Moisture meters

Supplies are limited. Residents can pick up the tools at the Water Advisory Council office, find them at community events, or request them by signing up to become an H2O Hero through the Rockland Water Hero program. Visit Rockland Water Hero

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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