Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow announced today that the New York State Department of Health’s laboratory has reported additional evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquito pools. Mosquito pools collected on September 4, 2013 at the East Taft Road trap were identified as having both EEE and WNV.“Given very low mosquito counts and the extended weather forecast, there are no plans to perform additional spraying at this time” said Morrow. She reinforced that these findings provide further evidence that the public must continue to practice personal protection measures and to keep their yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population.
Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. Personal protection is advised during outdoor activities. Personal protection measures include wearing shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outside for a long period of time. Applying a mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535 is also recommended to prevent mosquito bites. Do not put the repellent directly onto children. Put it on your hands and apply it to your child. Do not put insect repellent on your face. Wash skin and clothing after returning indoors. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application. The following are ways of helping to reduce mosquito breeding grounds:
§ Throw away outdoor plastic containers, ceramic pots or containers that hold water
§ Remove all tires from your property
§ Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors
§ Clean clogged rain gutters and make sure they continue to work properly
§ Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use
§ Change water in bird baths at least every four days
§ Clear vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds
§ Clean chlorinated swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs
§ Drain water from pool covers
§ Use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates
For more information about personal protection measures contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health, at 435-1649. For weekly mosquito borne disease updates visit: www.ongov.net/health/mosquitobornedisease.