PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – Health officials in Clinton County, New York, are urging residents to protect themselves against mosquitos after recording the first case of the West Nile Virus.
“The guidance for Clinton County residents right now is to protect yourself,” said the health department’s Molly Flynn. She says it is the first case the area has seen. “West Nile Virus, from what we can see in our records, we have not had a domestic case of West Nile Virus, as far back as we were able to look.”
To prevent mosquitoes, Flynn says to get rid of standing water, like in old tires or toys, and to cover up or use repellent. “That means covering your skin as much as possible when you are outside, especially when mosquitos are present and active, wearing long sleeves, long pants, and tucking your pants into your socks,” she said.
Flynn says another prevention measure is to use mosquito dunks available from the county that can be placed in stagnant water and should be changed every 30 days. “It prevents those larvae from turning into adult mosquitos,” she said.
Clinton County health officials say mosquito dunks are available for free at the following locations and times:
- Clinton County Health Department, 133 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Clinton County Soil & Water Conservation District, 6064 Route 22, Suite 1, Plattsburgh, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.