OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Health Department reported today that four new mosquito samples have tested positive for the Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV); one in the village of Central Square and three in the town of West Monroe. The first positive West Nile Virus (WNV) has also been found in the town of West Monroe.
The state Department of Health has declared EEEV an “imminent threat to public health” in Oswego County. EEEV is an extremely rare but serious infection. It causes encephalitis or inflammation of the brain and is often fatal. It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Oswego County is planning to conduct aerial spraying of approximately 10,000 acres in portions of the towns of Hastings, West Monroe and Constantia on Thursday, Aug. 7 after 6 p.m. As aerial spraying is weather dependent, the rain date is planned for Friday, Aug. 8.
The area to be sprayed is within these boundaries: U.S. Route 11 in Central Square to the west, NYS Route 49 to the north, up to but not including the village of Constantia to the east; and the shoreline of Oneida Lake to the south. Pesticide will not be applied over the open waters of Oneida Lake.
Residents within the spray area will be notified of the spraying by the Hyper-Reach Broadcast Notification Service through Oswego County’s E-9-1-1 Emergency Communications Department. If spraying is postponed due to weather conditions, residents will be notified through the news media and information will be posted on the Oswego County website at www.oswegocounty.com.
The health department has applied for the required permit to conduct aerial spraying from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The product Kontrol 30-30, which contains permethrin, will be applied in a diluted form. The county has contracted with Duflo Spray-Chemical from Lowville to conduct the planned aerial spraying.
A copy of the pesticide label and safety data sheet (SDS) including warnings and fact sheets about permethrin aerial spraying can be found on the Oswego County website at https://health.oswegocounty.com/programs/environmental1/mosquitoes.php, or obtained by calling the Oswego County Health Department at 315-349-3564 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. After 4 p.m., call 315-341-0086.
Residents in the spray area should stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed between 6 and 10 p.m. They are also advised to:
- Keep pets indoors.
- Close the vents on window air conditioners so that outside air doesn’t enter the home for one hour.
- Remove outdoor toys, outdoor furniture and clothing from the clothesline. Items left outdoors should be washed thoroughly with soap and water before using.
- If you are driving through an area while spraying takes place, close your car windows and vents.
- Cover gardens and rinse homegrown fruits and vegetables thoroughly before cooking or eating.
Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor said that aerial spraying is used to reduce the population of mosquitoes that carry viruses such as EEEV and WNV. While it can be effective, it does not eliminate all mosquitoes.
“Aerial spraying is a temporary control measure,” she said. “It is imperative that people continue to take steps to protect themselves against mosquitoes across Oswego County.
People are advised to limit their outdoor activities around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; and wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks when outdoors.
They may also want to use insect repellents. Those containing DEET are the most effective but should be used with caution and according to label instructions. Products containing picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are also effective.
Residents should also check their screens and repair any holes or tears and eliminate standing water around the home.
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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