WNV Found in West Monroe

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) in the town of West Monroe.

“Mosquito samples are routinely collected from a number of sites around the county and tested at the State’s lab,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “We work closely with state Department of Health to monitor these results and will take actions as deemed appropriate based on consultations with our state partners.”

The health department continues to stress the importance of everyone around the county remaining vigilant in their efforts to avoid mosquito bites.

“People should limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are usually more active,” said Katelyn Parkhurst, director of Environmental Health for the Oswego County Health Department. “They should also wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, socks and shoes when outdoors to prevent mosquito bites.”

People 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 vital for people to be aware of minimizing mosquito populations in and around their homes or properties, particularly with the wet weather in the forecast.

The health department offers these tips to help prevent mosquito bites and reduce mosquito habitats around the home:

• 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

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.

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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