West Nile Virus Found in Central Square and Hastings

OSWEGO COUNTY – New York State Department of Health informed the Oswego County Health Department that two more mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) – one in the village of Central Square and one in the town of Hastings.

Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor reminds people to remain vigilant in protecting themselves and their families from mosquito bites while they enjoy the outdoors this Labor Day weekend.

“While our aerial spraying was effective in reducing the mosquito population, it doesn’t eliminate the disease threat,’ she said. “Preventing mosquito bites is still the best way to protect against mosquito-borne viruses. The temperatures will be starting to go down, but it is still very important for people to continue to follow their personal protection practices until the first heavy frost comes.”

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/.

Print this entry