The Oswego County Health Department will conduct aerial spraying for mosquitoes between 6 and 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 31 or Friday, August 1. This map shows the targeted spray area. Residents in this area will be notified by the Oswego County Hyper-Reach reverse 911 program. They are advised to follow the precautions issued from the health department, including staying indoors and keeping all windows and doors closed for one hour after spraying.
OSWEGO – The Oswego County Health Department reports that the Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus has been found in four new mosquito samples collected recently.
Three were taken from near the village of Central Square and a fourth from the town of West Monroe.
Since the first two EEE positive mosquito samples were reported on July 22, the Oswego County Health Department has been making plans to conduct aerial spraying in the target area.
Oswego County Public Health Director Jiancheng Huang said, “We are continuing to monitor the forecast and plan to conduct aerial spraying between 6 and 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 31 or Friday, August 1.”
If the spraying is postponed due to weather conditions, residents will be notified through the news media and information will be posted on the Oswego County Web site at www.oswegocounty.com
The area to be sprayed includes about 10,000 acres 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.
Spraying will not take place over the waters of Oneida Lake.
Residents within the aerial spray boundaries will be notified of the aerial spraying by the Oswego County Hyper-Reach reverse 911 program.
A copy of the pesticide label and MSDS including all warnings, and fact sheets about permethrin aerial spraying can be found on the Oswego County Web site at http://www.oswegocounty.com/health/index.html, or obtained by calling the Oswego County Health Department at 349-3564 or 1-800-596-3200, ext. 3564, weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
After 4 p.m., call 341-0086.
People in the target area should stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed for one hour after the spraying.
They are also advised to:
•Keep pets indoors.
•Close vents on window air conditioners.
•Remove outdoor toys and furniture as well as clothing from the clothesline. Items left outdoors should be washed thoroughly with soap and water before using.
•Close car windows and vents if driving through the area during spraying.
•Cover gardens and rinse fruits and vegetables well before cooking or eating.
Aerial spraying is a temporary, partial control measure to diminish mosquito populations which helps to reduce the risk of human infection from the EEE virus, a disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes.
It is most effective when applied on an evening with warmer temperatures, calm to low winds, and no precipitation.
Huang said, “It is most important for people to continue taking actions that minimize their risk of mosquito bites. The EEE virus is in our environment and residents need to maintain diligence in their personal protection measures and in reducing mosquito breeding sites around their houses.”
This includes applying a mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus to prevent mosquito bites.
Repellent should not be applied to the face, to children’s hands or directly onto children.
Instead, parents should put it on their hands and then apply it to their child. Insect repellents should be used according to label instructions.
People should also continue to limit their outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active; wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks when outdoors; and eliminate standing water around the home.
For more information about EEE and other viruses transmitted by mosquitoes, call the Oswego County Health Department at 315-349-3564 or 1-800-596-3200, ext.3564 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. or visit the New York State Department of Health Web site at www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/eastern_equine_encephalitis/fact_sheet.htm.
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