Additional Mosquito Pools Found Positive for EEEV and WNV

ONONDAGA COUNTY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 – The Onondaga County Health Department continues to receive reports of mosquito pools testing positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) and West Nile Virus (WNV).  According to the New York State Department of Health, current surveillance across New York State (NYS) and other northeast states shows an above-normal level of EEEV activity in mosquitoes and horses, indicating an increased risk of transmission to humans from infected mosquitoes. In NYS, as of August 31, 2024, 20 mosquito pools in 2 counties (Onondaga and Oswego) and 16 horses in 10 counties (Cayuga, Clinton, Franklin, Madison, Oneida, Orange, Saint Lawrence, Ulster, Washington, and Wayne) have tested positive for EEEV. In addition, 2 emus infected with EEEV have been identified (Rensselaer County).

Although there have been no human EEEV cases identified in NYS to date this year, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New Hampshire have each reported cases of EEEV this season.

The continuing presence of mosquitoes infected with these viruses serves as a reminder for all residents to remain consistent in using personal protection measures, even in the fall months. Residents should diligently protect themselves from mosquito bites until the first hard frost occurs.

Signs and Symptoms
Most people don’t get sick or have only mild symptoms after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Signs and symptoms vary depending on the mosquito-borne disease. Signs and symptoms may include:

  • fever
  • headache
  • neck pain
  • muscle pain
  • joint pain
  • rash
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea

Rarely, mosquito-borne diseases can cause serious problems, such as encephalitis, a swelling of the brain.

Personal Protection Measures

  • Use this EPA search tool to help you choose the repellent product that is right for you, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on proper use for safety and effectiveness. Ideally, choose a repellent with 20% picaridin or 10%–30% concentration of DEET (look for N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide on the label). The higher the concentration of DEET, the longer it lasts. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET when used on children. Repellent should not be used on babies younger than 2 months old.
  • Mosquito repellent diffusers repel mosquitoes in the air and can be quite effective at reducing the number of mosquitoes in your immediate area.  Diffusers, alone or in combination with repellants applied to the skin, may offer additional protection.
  • Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing, and camping gear and remain protective through several washings. Alternatively, you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
  • Mosquito-proof your home by replacing or repairing broken screens and getting rid of standing water where mosquitoes breed

Remove Standing Water from Your Property
It is extremely important to remove mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating any standing water that may have collected on your property:

  • Throw away outdoor 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 birdbaths 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

The Onondaga County Health Department remains in close contact with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The decision to spray is based on several factors including, but not limited to, the number of mosquitoes found in mosquito surveillance traps. All spraying decisions are made with assistance from NYSDOH and the NYSDEC.

For weekly mosquito pool test results and for more information about personal protection measures against mosquitoes, visit ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html or contact the Onondaga County Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health at 315. 435.1649.