Oswego County Urges Continued Protection Against Ticks and Mosquitoes This Fall

OSWEGO COUNTY — Oswego County health officials are reminding residents and visitors to continue protecting themselves against tick and mosquito bites during fall outdoor activities. Cooler temperatures may reduce activity, but the pests remain a threat, according to a county news release.

“It’s a beautiful time of the year to be outdoors,” said Oswego County Legislator Paul House, District 8, chairman of the Oswego County Legislature’s Health Committee. “Whether you’re out enjoying the foliage, checking your tree stand or reeling in a big fish, it’s important to remain vigilant and protect yourself from tick and mosquito bites.”

The county release says mosquitoes remain in the environment until the first hard widespread frost of the season and tick exposure can occur year-round.

The release includes the following statement about the risks:

“Both insects have the potential to carry life-threatening illnesses,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “Lyme disease, spread by the bite of infected ticks, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) and West Nile Virus (WNV), both spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, are some of the most reported vector-borne diseases in New York State.

“These diseases are incredibly serious,” she added. “They can affect multiple body systems, causing patients to suffer life-long chronic conditions and, in some cases, may even be fatal.”

Residents and visitors in Oswego County are advised to use personal protective measures to prevent tick and mosquito bites as they enjoy outdoor activities this fall.

The county release also includes this advice from Dunsmoor:

“Prevention is key,” said Dunsmoor. “Wear protective clothing such as light-colored long pants, long-sleeved shirts and shoes and socks when you are outside. Be especially vigilant during times when mosquitoes and ticks are most active, between dusk and dawn.”

People are also encouraged to use an insect repellent, especially one with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Remember that those containing permethrin are meant for clothing and gear and should not be applied directly to the skin. Be sure to read the product label and follow package instructions.

Other mosquito protections include:

• Repairing or replacing broken screens around the home and keeping rain barrels covered with screens to keep mosquitoes out.
• Reducing mosquito habitats around the home by emptying or disposing of water-holding containers, changing the water in birdbaths and horse troughs twice a week, cleaning out clogged gutters, removing leaves from yards, gardens and the edge of ponds, disposing of old tires and using mosquito dunk kits where appropriate.

“It’s also crucial to do daily tick checks on yourself, your kids and your pets and remove any ticks you find as soon as possible,” said Dunsmoor. “The longer a tick is attached, the higher the risk of getting Lyme disease. Early detection and prompt treatment are essential in preventing long-term health complications and improving outcomes for those affected.”

Tick checks should be performed both visually and by feeling for ticks because they are tiny. Pay attention to the underarm, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, back of the knees, in and around the hair, between the legs, and around the waist.

For pets, look in and around the ears, around the eyelids, under the collar, around the tail, under the front legs, between the back legs, and between the toes. Be sure to do tick checks even if the dog is vaccinated against Lyme disease, because ticks can attach to new hosts.

If you find a tick attached, use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, then pull it away from the skin perpendicularly, wash the area with soap, and apply topical antiseptic. The state Department of Health developed a video to show how to remove a tick on YouTube: the department’s tick-removal video.

Other tick preventions include:

• Avoid tall grass and bushy, wooded areas.
• Mow regularly and clear brush and leaf litter around the home and lawn edges often.
• Place wood chips between your lawn and wooded areas as they restrict tick migration.
• Keep the area below bird feeders clean.
• Make sure firewood is neatly stacked in dry areas.
• Situate playground equipment, patios and decks away from yard edges and trees.
• Shower soon after being outdoors and call your doctor if you develop a fever or rash.

For more information about Lyme disease and tick bite prevention, visit CNY Lyme Alliance, the New York State Department of Health Lyme disease fact sheet or CDC Lyme disease information.

To learn 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 mosquito protection information.

The Legislature’s Health Committee oversees the Health Department. In addition to Legislator House, committee members include Vice Chairman Roy E. Reehil, District 5; Gena Bartlett, District 24; Dorothy Caldwell, District 17; Richard Kline, District 12; Michael Solowy, District 23; and Lee B. Walker, Jr., District 15.

Source: Oswego County.