More Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus and West Nile virus in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, announced today that Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) continues to be present in Onondaga County. Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) was found in two mosquito pools, both in the town of Cicero; one collected on July 30, 2015 at the Island Road site and one collected on August 4, 2015 at the Taft Road site. West Nile virus was also found in one mosquito pool, collected on August 5, 2015, at the Midler Avenue trap in the city of Syracuse.

Dr. Gupta states that “Despite two aerial sprayings in July and the ongoing intensive larviciding efforts, disease-carrying mosquitoes will continue to be a public health concern until the first hard frost in October”, and reminds residents, “It is essential that the public continue to practice personal protection measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes whenever outdoors. It is important not to become complacent about personal protection measures”.

The Health Department reminds residents that mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. Personal protection is advised during outdoor activities. Personal protection measures include wearing shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when going outside. Applying a mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535 to prevent mosquito bites. Do not put the repellent directly onto children’s skin. 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 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 or visit /health/mosquitoborne.html.

http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/eastern_equine_encephalitis/fact_sheet.htm

http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2731/

Send Your Kids Back to School With Their Vaccines Up-To-Date. August is National Immunization Awareness Month

Now is the time to make sure your kids’ vaccinations (shots) are up-to-date so that they are ready to return to school. Having all school required vaccines not only protects your child from harmful infections, it also protects your family, their classmates and the community. It is important to contact your child’s health care provider to make sure your child has all the needed immunizations for this school year.

Childhood vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Thanks to the widespread acceptance of vaccines, many of the infectious diseases that once were common place are now rare in the United States. However, outbreaks of serious but vaccine preventable diseases, such as whooping cough, measles or mumps can still happen.

To attend school, children are required to be up-to-date on their shots. New York State law requires that students have proof of all required vaccines or be removed from school until the vaccines are obtained.

The Onondaga County Health Department encourages parents to check with your health care providers to make sure your kids are up-to-date on all required vaccines. Schedule your appointment TODAY for any needed immunizations. No insurance? Visit the Onondaga County Health Department Immunization Clinic. Having no insurance is not a barrier and all vaccines children need for school are offered. For more information on the clinic, call 435-2000.

More Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) Found in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta MD, MPH, reported today finding additional evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) in Onondaga County since the last aerial spray. EEEV was found in two mosquito pools collected on July 24, 2015, one from a mosquito trap located on Taft Road and the other on Route 298, both in the Town of Cicero. Dr. Gupta reinforced, “Despite the recent aerial sprayings and intensive larviciding efforts, there is still a significant number of mosquitoes in the environment and weather conditions continue to be favorable for mosquito breeding. Therefore, it is extremely important for residents to take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes whenever outdoors and not to become complacent about personal protection measures”.

The Health Department reminds residents to follow these tips to help avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and also to help reduce mosquito breeding grounds by doing the following:

Wear protective clothing: Personal protection measures are recommended during outdoor activities and include wearing shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts as the weather permits.
Use mosquito repellent: Consider repellents containing DEET or Picaridin. Mosquito repellents should be applied only to uncovered skin or over clothing. Do NOT apply DEET or Picaridin directly onto children’s skin (apply to your own hands and then put it on the child). Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus also provide protection against mosquito bites. With any mosquito repellent, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on proper use and reapplication.
Reduce mosquito breeding: Replace or repair broken screens, clean clogged rain gutters, turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use, change water in bird baths every four days, properly maintain swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs, drain water from pool covers and use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates.

The Health Department reminds residents that mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn.

For information about personal protection measures contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 435-1649 and visit ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html.

Beware of These Mosquito Menaces!

By Indu Gupta, MD, MPH
Commissioner of Health

When I was growing up in India, my mother used to remind us all, “Put mosquito repellent on, wear long sleeves, cover your skin, and make sure you tuck yourself inside the mosquito net at night so you don’t get bitten!” As a little girl, I listened to her most of the time and when I didn’t, mosquitoes bit me! Fortunately, I never got malaria and neither did anyone else in my family. The same cannot be said for patients I took care of in medical school.

Malaria is the worst of the vector-borne diseases worldwide. It can affect up to 500 million people a year, killing at least 2 million people every year worldwide in over 90 countries. Diseases like dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and yellow fever are quite common in many countries and are seen in the United States mostly as imported diseases.

Though we don’t have malaria and some other diseases, we do have our unique set of vector borne disease in the United States. Two viruses that we know quite well locally can be found in the Cicero Swamp, West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE). That makes it our problem…these viruses are right here in Onondaga County!

WNV was first reported in New York State in 1999. Since then, there have been 490 human cases and 37 deaths throughout the state. Most patients who contract WNV develop West Nile fever, while a few would develop the more serious WN meningoencephalitis (brain infection). There were four cases of WNV infections in Onondaga County in 2014; most of these cases were mild.

EEE infection is more serious. Before 2014, only five cases of EEE were reported in New York State with 100% mortality. In 2014, there were two cases of EEE in Onondaga County and fortunately both individuals survived. People at the greatest risk of developing severe disease are those over 50 and younger than 15 years of age. Approximately 4%-5 % of human EEE infection results in symptomatic illnesses. Generally, symptoms usually occur 4-10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

The important thing to remember is that like most of the viral diseases, there isn’t a specific treatment available for either EEE or WNV, nor is there a vaccine available for prevention. Once the disease appears, patients receive symptomatic and supportive therapy. Mild cases of EEE and WNV usually recover completely. For severe disease, about one third of patients who develop EEE die and many of those who survive have mild to severe brain damage for the rest of their lives. Of the less than 1 in 150 people with severe WNV disease, death is very rare and almost all patients recover completely.

The risk of getting either WNV or EEE is highest from late July through September, therefore, every summer we track both diseases by trapping and testing mosquitoes. Our “Vector Control Program” in the Division of Environmental Health starts to trap mosquitoes in late May to monitor for WNV and EEE mosquito activity. Results are posted on OCHD’s website at http://www.ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html.

We also launch a combined effort to use larvicidal pesticide in mosquito breeding sites, and aerial and truck adulticidal spraying to control the number of mosquitoes when they become a threat to animals and people.

We have also seen that even a small number of mosquitoes infected with a virus can result in a human infection. Therefore, what’s in everyone’s control is to TAKE CHARGE of prevention to protect your health. In fact, PREVENTION is your best defense to PROTECT yourself from these diseases. Most mosquitoes do not transmit disease. There are more than 70 species of mosquitoes in New York State, but only a few species are capable of transmitting WNV or EEE. Take all the steps necessary to protect yourself from the bite of a mosquito: (a) wear proper clothing; (b) use insect repellents (c) have defect free window and door screens; and (d) eliminate all standing water around your property. There is no single remedy for prevention! Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, there are no human vaccines for EEE or WNV.

A few weeks ago, I visited the Cicero Swamp area before the scheduled spraying. I observed the area while driving around in the car that day with our staff and visited the Molloy Road site where all this work is being done. In August, I am planning to visit the areas where the mosquito traps were placed by our hard working staff. That day, I will follow all the recommendations I just suggested to you!

As I am working every day with our dedicated staff to address this problem, I often go back to memory lane. My mother passed away a few years ago, but I suddenly could hear her voice in my head, “Indu, make sure to protect yourself from these evil mosquitoes−they carry bad diseases!” Rest assured, I will follow her reminders and I hope you will too!

Second Aerial Spraying of the Cicero Swamp to Take Place on Wednesday, July 22, 2015

The Onondaga County Health Department is planning to conduct a second round of aerial spraying for mosquitos on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 of the Cicero Swamp and immediate surrounding areas. Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta, MD, MPH explained, “Additional mosquito pools were found positive for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) in traps collected from Taft Road and Island Road, both in the town of Cicero. This brings a total of four mosquito pools testing positive for EEEV. Due to these findings, and because the mosquito counts continue to be extremely high, the Health Department has decided to conduct a second round of aerial spraying as a measure to help further reduce the number of mosquitos and to ultimately reduce the risk of mosquito borne illness.” The Health Department continues to reinforce the importance of taking personal protection measures against being bitten by mosquitoes throughout the summer season.

Aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and the immediate surrounding areas will occur on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 between 7:30 pm and 10:00 pm weather permitting. Residents will be notified about the spraying through the local media and through the Reverse 911 emergency notification system.
The designated spray areas are generally bounded on the north by Route 31, on the west by Northern Boulevard, on the south by Taft Road, and on the east by the county line (Chittenango Creek). Roads included in this area are: all or parts of Route 298, Bull Street, Eastwood Road, Island Road, Cicero Center Road, Fergerson Road, Ferstler Road, and Oxbow Road. To view a map of the spraying area, visit: /health/documents/SprayMapCicero.pdf
The pesticide that will be used for the aerial spraying is Duet. This pesticide is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Division of Environmental Conservation for this use. A copy of the pesticide label can be found on the Onondaga County website at /health/documents/DuetLabel.pdf. A written copy of the label can be provided by calling 435-1649.
If you live in the spray area, during spraying it is recommended that you:

Stay indoors and keep your windows closed for one hour after the area has been sprayed.
Keep your pets indoors if possible.
Set your window air conditioners to circulate indoor air. It is safe to use your central air conditioning.
Remove children’s toys that are outdoors, any outdoor furniture, and clothes from outdoor clotheslines.
If you are driving during the spraying, close your car windows and car vents.
After the spraying, if toys or clothes have been left outdoors, wash each thoroughly with soap and water before using and launder clothes before wearing. Rinse garden vegetables before eating.

For information and “Frequently Asked Questions” about aerial mosquito spraying and/or personal protection measures contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 435-1649 and visit ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html.

Third Bat Found Positive for Rabies

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, announced today that a bat found in Marcellus has tested positive for rabies. This is the third bat found positive for rabies this season.

Dr. Gupta stresses, “It is important to bat-proof your home now to keep bats out of your house and away from you and your family.” Bats are generally most active between the months of May and August.

To bat proof your home, plug up any holes discovered with steel wool. Also, repair window screen holes with wire mesh and caulk any other openings or cracks.
If you awaken to find a bat in your room, or a bat is present in the room of an unattended or sleeping child, or in a room with someone with a mental impairment, seek medical advice and have the bat tested.
Trap all bats found in your house and make sure that all bats that come into direct contact with people get tested. Before trapping the bat, protect yourself with gloves and a hat.
If your family (or your pet) has been exposed to a bat, capture the bat and have it tested for rabies. If someone is bitten by a bat, be certain to wash the area where the bite occurred with soap and water and see your health care provider immediately.

To trap a bat:

Keep the bat inside of your home (do not let it escape outdoors).
Shut the door of the room to keep the bat isolated.
Turn the lights on to slow the bat down.
Collect the bat in a container with a secure lid.
Call the Onondaga County Health Department’s Animal Disease Control at 435-3165 for further instruction.
To view a video on how to capture a bat, visit ongov.net/health/env/rabies.html.

The Onondaga County Health Department offers a number of clinics throughout the year to protect your pet from rabies. New York State Public Health Law requires that all puppies and kittens get an initial shot at three months of age, with a booster shot every three years. Ferrets must get a shot every year. For a full schedule of upcoming rabies vaccination clinics visit ongov.net/health/env/rabies.html, or call 435-3165.

Second Bat Found Positive for Rabies

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported that a bat found in Baldwinsville has tested positive for rabies. This is the second bat found positive for rabies this season.

To bat proof your home, plug up any holes discovered with steel wool. Also, repair window screen holes with wire mesh and caulk any other openings or cracks.
If you awaken to find a bat in your room, or a bat is present in the room of an unattended or sleeping child, or in a room with someone with a mental impairment, seek medical advice and have the bat tested.
Trap all bats found in your house and make sure that all bats that come into direct contact with people get tested. Before trapping the bat, protect yourself with gloves and a hat.
If your family (or your pet) has been exposed to a bat, capture the bat and have it tested for rabies. If someone is bitten by a bat, be certain to wash the area where the bite occurred with soap and water and see your health care provider immediately.

To trap a bat:

Keep the bat inside of your home (do not let it escape outdoors).
Shut the door of the room to keep the bat isolated.
Turn the lights on to slow the bat down.
Collect the bat in a container with a secure lid.
Call the Onondaga County Health Department’s Animal Disease Control at 435-3165 for further instruction.
To view a video on how to capture a bat, visit /health/ADP.html.

It is important to keep your pet’s vaccinations current. This is especially important for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Getting your pet vaccinated can help stop the spread of rabies from wild animals to humans.
The Onondaga County Health Department offers a number of clinics throughout the year to protect your pet from rabies. New York State Public Health Law requires that all puppies and kittens get an initial shot at three months of age, with a booster shot every three years. Ferrets must get a shot every year. For a full schedule of upcoming rabies vaccination clinics visit /health/ADP.html, or call 435-3165.

Bat Positive for Rabies

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported that a bat found in the City of Syracuse has tested positive for rabies. This is the first positive rabies finding of the season.

To bat proof your home, plug up any holes discovered with steel wool. Also, repair window screen holes with wire mesh and caulk any other openings or cracks.
If you awaken to find a bat in your room, or a bat is present in the room of an unattended or sleeping child, or in a room with someone with a mental impairment, seek medical advice and have the bat tested.
Trap all bats found in your house and make sure that all bats that come into direct contact with people get tested. Before trapping the bat, protect yourself with gloves and a hat.
If your family (or your pet) has been exposed to a bat, capture the bat and have it tested for rabies. If someone is bitten by a bat, be certain to wash the area where the bite occurred with soap and water and see your health care provider immediately.

To trap a bat:

Keep the bat inside of your home (do not let it escape outdoors)
Shut the door of the room to keep the bat isolated
Turn the lights on to slow the bat down
Collect the bat in a container with a secure lid
Call the Onondaga County Health Department’s Animal Disease Control at 435-3165 for further instruction
To view a video on how to capture a bat, visit www.ongov.net/health

Spraying of the Cicero Swamp Postponed and Will Take Place on Friday, July 10, 2015

The Onondaga County Health Department will be conducting aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and immediate surrounding areas on Friday, July 10, between the hours of 7:30 and 10:00 pm weather permitting. Spraying of the Cicero Swamp did not occur last evening due to mechanical problems with the airplane. Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta MD, MPH explained, “I appreciate the public’s patience with our having to postpone aerial spraying. We have had to deal with factors that are beyond our control, such as unfavorable weather conditions and mechanical problems with the airplane, however, be reassured spraying will take place as soon as possible.”

The Health Department explained that weather is a primary factor when conducting aerial spraying. Spraying cannot occur if it is raining outdoors or could rain within four hours. In addition, the wind conditions must not exceed 10 miles per hour during spray time. If either, or both, of these conditions are anticipated, aerial spraying cannot occur because these conditions would impact the effectiveness and accuracy of the targeted spraying.

The Health Department reminds residents that during spraying, it is recommended that residents:

Stay indoors and keep windows closed for one hour after your area has been sprayed
Keep your pets and pet toys indoors if possible
Cover outdoor gardens and rinse all vegetables before eating
Set your window air conditioners to circulate indoor air (it is safe to use your central air conditioning)
Remove children’s toys that are outdoors, any outdoor furniture, and clothes from outdoor clotheslines
If toys or clothes have been left outdoors, wash each thoroughly with soap and water before using and wash clothes before wearing
If you are driving during the spraying, close your car windows and vents

The Health Department reinforces the importance of practicing personal protection measures when spending time outdoors. Personal protection measures should be used when spending time outdoors and includes 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.

To view a map of the spraying area, visit: /health/documents/SprayMapCicero.pdf

For more information about personal protection measures contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 435-1649.

Spraying Postponed until Wednesday, July 8th and West Nile Virus Found in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta MD, MPH, announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported finding evidence of West Nile virus (WNV) in Onondaga County. The finding was in a mosquito pool collected on June 30th from a mosquito trap located on Island Road in the Town of Cicero. This is the first finding of West Nile virus in Onondaga County this year. There have been no human cases of West Nile virus reported in Onondaga County this year. On July 4th, the Health Department reported finding evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) in a mosquito pool in the Cicero Swamp area. Gupta reinforced, “We now know definitively that WNV and EEEV are in our environment, therefore, it is extremely important for residents to take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitos and to eliminate standing water from their property.”

The Onondaga County Health Department originally planned on conducting aerial spraying today of the Cicero Swamp and immediate surrounding areas, but due to unfavorable weather conditions, the spraying has been postponed until tomorrow, Wednesday, July 8, 2015 between the hours 7:30-10:00 pm, weather permitting.

For information about personal protection measures contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 435-1649 and visit /health/mosquitoborne.html.