County mosquito control confirms West Nile virus in local traps; officials urge draining standing water

Aaron Lombard, Monroe County mosquito-borne disease control coordinator, told the commissioners routine surveillance has detected West Nile virus in local mosquito traps. "West Nile virus is pretty well-established throughout the eastern United States," Lombard said, adding, "If you look hard enough for West Nile virus, you will find it," and emphasizing the detection reflects active surveillance rather than an unusual emergence.

Lombard described where the county typically finds the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile — often near wastewater facilities and any standing water that persists on private property — and urged residents to dump and drain containers, maintain birdbaths (change water weekly) and report larger problem sites so county staff can treat breeding areas. He said the mosquitoes that spread West Nile primarily feed on birds and that risk to people rises when those mosquitoes are brought close to homes.

The coordinator said West Nile disease carries the highest risk for infants and elderly people; county efforts will focus on schools, daycares, nursing homes, parks and other public spaces. Lombard told the board the county can assist with treatment of standing-water sites and encouraged residents to call the county or the Department of Environmental Protection to report concerns.

In question-and-answer remarks, Lombard explained simple mitigation steps for birdbaths and small water features and reiterated that the county now also conducts surveillance and control work in neighboring Pike and Wayne counties under a state request.