OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Health Department reported today that recent mosquito samples show the Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is still present in the environment.
Positive samples were taken from the town of Albion, a new collection site and the first report of the season from that area, as well as from the town of Palermo, marking the second report this season for the town, although it was taken from a different site than last week.
“Our mosquito population is currently quite low; however, this week’s report reminds us that we must still take precautions to guard against mosquito bites,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor.
“We encourage people in all areas of the county to remain vigilant in their personal protection practices as we continue to monitor mosquito and virus activity in collaboration with New York State Department of Health,” she said.
People are advised to limit outdoor activities around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks when outdoors; and use a repellent.
Be sure to read the product label and follow package instructions on all insect repellants. Those that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus are most effective. Those that contain permethrin are meant for clothing and gear and should not be applied directly to the skin.
“Repair or replace broken window or door screens to help keep mosquitoes outside and reduce mosquito habitats around your home and property,” said Oswego County Associate Public Health Sanitarian Chris Williams. “Eliminating places for mosquitoes to grow and thrive in the first place goes a long way toward guarding against their bites and keeping your family safe.”
He suggests residents stay on top of cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools, saunas and hot tubs; draining pool covers; and changing the water in birdbaths and horse troughs twice a week.
Other tips include:
- Emptying or disposing of pails, cans, flowerpots and other water-holding containers.
- Drilling holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
- Turning over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use.
- Keeping rain barrels covered with a screen to reduce mosquito breeding areas.
- Cleaning out clogged gutters so they drain properly.
- Removing vegetation and leaf debris from yards, gardens and the edge of ponds.
- Using landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
- Disposing of old tires. Used tires are a significant mosquito breeding site and can be accepted at some local transfer stations for a fee. For details, call the Oswego County Solid Waste Department at 315-591-9200.
Residents can also use mosquito dunk kits to reduce mosquito populations in certain situations. Kits contain a larvicide that must be used according to the directions provided. People can buy one for $5 at the Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District, 3105 NYS Rte. 3, Fulton. Call 315-592-9663 for details.
For more information about protecting your family against mosquitoes, call the Oswego County Health Department at 315-349-3547 or visit the New York State Department of Health website at https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2731/.
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