09/25/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 24, 2025
Contact: Kate Ott, Public Health Director
Telephone: 585-396-4343
๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ข๐จ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ฒ
Health Department Shares Ways to โFight the Biteโ
Hopewell, NY: The Ontario County Public Health Department has confirmed a case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a resident. The case was acquired in the northern, Finger Lakes Region, through the bite of an infected mosquito. This marks an important reminder for residents to take precautions against mosquito bites. Late summer and early fall remain active transmission periods for mosquito-borne illness. Now is the time to โFight the Biteโ by using insect repellent, eliminating standing water, and staying covered during peak mosquito hours.
West Nile Virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people experience no symptoms, some may develop fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Older adults and those who are immune compromised are more apt to be symptomatic. In rare cases, WNV can lead to serious neurological illness such as encephalitis or meningitis โ infection in the brain and spinal cord.
โMosquitoes are still active and we urge the public to Fight the Bite until a heavy frost.โ said Kate Ott the Director of Ontario Public Health. โWe are encouraging the public to be aware of mosquitoes, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves when outdoors, and eliminate standing water around homes.โ
Fight the Bite:
Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk
Remove standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, and birdbaths
Ensure window and door screens are intact to keep mosquitoes out
Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea and occasionally a skin rash or swollen lymph glands. These may be signs of West Nile Virus or another illness that requires evaluation by a healthcare provider.
For more information on West Nile Virus and mosquito prevention, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/