Residents Urged to Continue Protective Measures Against Mosquito Bites

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Health Department announced today that Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) was found in four mosquito samples collected last week. Two samples were collected from the town of West Monroe, one sample was found in the town of Palermo, and one sample was collected in the town of Hastings. West Nile virus (WNV) was also reported in one sample in the town of Palermo.

County and state health departments continue to work together to monitor the situation. The Oswego County Health Department reminds residents that despite temperatures dropping as fall approaches, it is important to continue mosquito bite prevention.

“Although the days are becoming shorter and temperatures are starting to dip, mosquitoes are still active,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “Mosquito-borne diseases remain a threat until the first hard frost of the season, so it’s crucial for people in all areas of the county to stay vigilant in taking personal protection measures. Mosquito bite prevention is the best way to protect against mosquito-borne diseases.”

People are cautioned to limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are usually more active and to wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, socks and shoes when outdoors to prevent mosquito bites.

Those who choose to use insect repellents are advised to read the product label and follow package instructions. Repellents that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective. Those that contain permethrin are meant for clothing and gear and should not be applied directly to the skin.

It is especially important for people to reduce mosquito habitats in and around their homes or properties.

The health department offers these tips:

• Install or repair all door and window screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Cover rain barrels or other water collection devices with a screen.
• Empty or dispose of pails, cans, flowerpots or similar water-holding containers.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
• Change the water in birdbaths and horse troughs twice a week.
• Clean and chlorinate outdoor pools, saunas and hot tubs and drain pool covers.
• Clean out clogged gutters to be sure they drain properly.
• Remove leaf debris from yards and gardens, and clear vegetation and debris from the edge of ponds.
• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
• Dispose of old tires as they are a significant mosquito breeding site. Used tires are accepted at Oswego County transfer stations for a charge. Contact the Oswego County Solid Waste Department at 315-591-9200 for details.
• Use mosquito dunk kits to reduce mosquito populations in certain situations.

The health department and the Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District (OCSWCD) have partnered again this year to distribute free mosquito dunk kits to residents for use in certain circumstances. Each kit contains a larvicide and must be used according to the directions provided.

Homeowners can pick up a kit at the front desk at the Oswego County Health Department, entrance B, 70 Bunner St., Oswego; at the OCSWCD’s front door, 3105 NYS Rte. 3, Fulton; or at their local municipal facility. For more information about the mosquito dunk kits, call 315-592-9663 or go to www.oswegosoilandwater.com.

The county and state health departments will continue to monitor the mosquito population and virus activity in Oswego County.

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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