More EEEV Found in Palermo and West Monroe

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Health Department reported today that four recent mosquito samples have tested positive for the Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV). One sample was found in the town of Palermo and the other three samples were collected in the town of West Monroe.

“The hot, dry weather has kept our mosquito population relatively low,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “As we move through the end of summer into the fall, these numbers will continue to drop. However, these results show us that viruses are still active in the environment. It is important that people continue to take preventive measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”

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 an insect repellent.

If you choose to use a repellent, be sure to read the product label and follow package instructions. 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.

Homeowners should repair or replace any broken screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors. Also, keep rain barrels covered with a screen to keep mosquitoes out.

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, saunas and hot tubs and drain pool covers.
• Change the water in birdbaths and horse troughs twice a week.
• Clean out clogged gutters so they drain properly.
• Remove vegetation and leaf debris from yards, gardens and the edge of ponds.
• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
• Dispose 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 http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2731/.

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