Mosquito Samples Collected Before Spraying Test Positive for EEEV

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Health Department reported today that four new mosquito samples have tested positive for the Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), all in the town of West Monroe. These samples were collected last week before aerial spraying was conducted over the area on Aug. 7.

“Last week’s aerial spraying was successful in reducing the mosquito population in the Toad Harbor / Big Bay Swamp area, which is where these samples were taken from early last week,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “Although there are fewer mosquitoes right now, it’s important for people to continue their personal protection measures.”

The health department encourages people across the county to limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, socks and shoes when outdoors and consider using insect repellents.

Those 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 said that, despite the exceptionally dry weather we’ve been experiencing, there are steps people can take at home to help protect against mosquitoes.

“The lack of rain in recent weeks has helped minimize some mosquito habitats,” he said. “However, they are still active in the environment, so homeowners should stay on top of cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs; draining their pool covers; and changing the water in birdbaths and horse troughs twice a week. Most importantly, be sure to repair or replace broken window or door screens to help keep mosquitoes outside.”

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.
• Keep rain barrels covered with a screen to reduce mosquito breeding areas
• 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.
• 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.

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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