“The risk is going to be very, very small for residents in the Hudson Valley,” says Stuart Feinstein, MD, an infectious diseases specialist at Health Quest in Poughkeepsie. “There is a type of mosquito that lives in the southern part of New York State that potentially could spread it, but I would consider that a minimal risk. However, there is always potential for other mosquito-borne infections, like the West Nile virus, which is why it is important for people, especially pregnant women, to take as many precautions as possible to avoid mosquito bites. Some types of mosquitoes bite more during dawn and dusk, so you may want to avoid going out at those times. Always make sure your windows are screened; keep your arms and legs covered as much as possible; and use an adequate tick repellant.”
