First Report of EEEV Found in Oswego County

OSWEGO COUNTY – New York State Department of Health informed the Oswego County Health Department that a mosquito sample has tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV). The sample was found in Toad Harbor Big Bay Swamp in the town of West Monroe.

“Mosquito samples are routinely collected from a number of sites around the county and tested at the State’s lab,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “We are working closely with state Department of Health to monitor mosquito activity around the county and will take actions as deemed appropriate based on consultations with our state partners.”

Oswego County Director of Environmental Health Katelyn Parkhurst added, “To best protect yourself from mosquitoes, limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when they are most active. You can also wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, pants, sock and shoes when outdoors and use insect repellents.”

Insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus are most effective. Repellents that contain permethrin are meant for clothing and gear and should not be applied directly to the skin. Be sure to read the product label for repellents and follow package instructions.

Oswego County Associate Public Health Sanitarian Chris Williams offered additional tips to help people reduce the mosquito population.

“There are simple measures people can take to guard against mosquitoes around their homes,” said Williams. “Install, replace or repair broken screens to help keep mosquitoes outside. Eliminate standing water, clean out clogged gutters so they drain properly and keep rain barrels covered with a screen to reduce mosquito breeding areas.”

Other tips to reduce mosquito habitat around the home include:
– Empty or dispose of pails, cans, flowerpots, or similar water-holding containers.
– Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
– Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use.
– Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs and drain pool covers.
– Change the water in birdbaths and horse troughs twice a week.
– Remove leaf debris from yards and gardens and clean vegetation and debris from the edge of ponds.
– Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
– Use mosquito dunk kits to reduce mosquito populations in certain situations. Each kit contains a larvicide and must be used according to the directions provided.

Homeowners can buy a $5 mosquito dunk kit from the Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District, located at 3105 NYS Rte. 3, Fulton. Call 315-592-9663 for more information.

Some municipalities may have a limited supply of free mosquito dunk kits available to homeowners. Check with your municipality for availability or call the health department at 315-349-3547.

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 http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2731/.

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