The Onondaga County Health Department Announces the 2011 Public Flu and Pneumonia Vaccine Clinics

*10-5-11: Updated information from original release

The Onondaga County Health Department, in partnership with the University of Rochester Medical Center has scheduled eight (8) flu and pneumonia vaccine clinics throughout Onondaga County.  The clinics are scheduled from Monday, October 24 through Saturday, November 19, 2011.  Cynthia Morrow, MD, MPH, Commissioner of Health for Onondaga County, explained, “Getting a flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent getting the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children over 6 months old get a flu vaccine.” Morrow further explained that the flu vaccine is especially important for children and adults with high risk conditions such as asthma.  Starting today, Onondaga County residents can schedule appointments either online at www.onflu.net or by telephone at 435-5752.

For those individuals with access to a computer and an email account can schedule a flu or pneumonia vaccine appointment on-line anytime, 24 hours a day.  Friends and/or family members can also schedule an appointment for those who do not have web access.    Individuals can schedule up to ten appointments for themselves, family and/or friends.  The on-line service also includes information about:  locations and directions to clinics, what you need to bring to your appointment, and general information about both flu and pneumonia prevention.

The CDC recommends all children 6 months to 18 years old get a flu vaccine each year.  To support this, and to provide optimal customer service, all  Onondaga County Health Department flu and pneumonia vaccine clinics will provide flu vaccines for children six months old and older and their families.  Furthermore, FluMist„µ (a vaccine that is sprayed inside the nose) will also be available for those who prefer an alternative to the traditional flu shot.  FluMist„µ is only recommended and offered to healthy children and adults ages 2-49 years old.

Children under the age of nine who have never had a flu vaccine series before will need two doses of vaccine (either the shot or FluMist®).  The second vaccine should be given one month after the first shot or FluMist®.  If your child is under nine and only received one dose of vaccine last year, *they should receive one dose this year.

The CDC further reinforces that it is particularly important for certain people to get a flu vaccine  because  they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with, or care for, people who are at high risk for developing flu-related complications.  These targeted groups include:

  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than five, but especially children younger than 2 years old
  • People 50 years of age and older
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
    • Health care workers
    • Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
    • Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than six months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

The pneumococcal shot, sometimes called the pneumonia shot, is recommended for people over 65 years old and people 2 – 64 years old with health problems, or who are on a drug treatment that lowers the body’s ability to fight infection.  Anyone 19 – 64 years old who is a smoker or has asthma is also encouraged to get a pneumococcal vaccine.  Usually one shot is enough, but if you get your first dose before 65 years old, additional doses may be needed.  Talk to your health care provider to determine if you should get a pneumococcal vaccine.

Appointments for a flu or pneumonia vaccine are necessary and should be made in advance. Clinics are open to Onondaga County residents.  Payment accepted for the flu vaccine includes: Medicare Part B, Medicaid, cash, or check.  Most other major insurances can be billed.  Coverage will depend on your individual plan.  If you are not covered, you will be billed.  The cost for an adult flu shot or adult FluMist® is $30, the cost for a children’s flu shot or FluMist® is $15, and the cost for a pneumonia shot is $55.   No one will be turned away due to their inability to pay.

To schedule an appointment for a flu or pneumonia vaccine log onto www.onflu.net or call the flu hotline Monday – Friday between 9:00 am – 4: 00 pm at 435-5752.  Below please find a listing of all Onondaga County Health Department-sponsored 2011 flu and pneumonia vaccine clinics:

St. Joseph’s Church of Camillus
5600 West Genesee Street
Camillus, NY 13031
Monday, October 24, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
LaFayette Alliance Church
6069 Cherry Valley Turnpike (Route 20)
LaFayette, NY 13084
Thursday, October 27, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Solvay-Geddes Community Center
1010 Woods Road
Syracuse, NY 13209
Saturday, October 29, 9:00 am – 12:00 Noon
McChesney Recreation Center
2308 Grant Boulevard
Syracuse, NY 13208
Wednesday, November 2, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Eastern Hills Bible Church
8227 Manlius-Cazenovia Road (Route 92)
Manlius, NY 13104
Saturday, November 5, 9:00 am – 12:00 Noon
Erwin First United Methodist Church
920 Euclid Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13210
Wednesday, November 9, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Believers Chapel
7912 Thompson Road
Cicero, NY 13039
Saturday, November 12, 9:00 am –12:00 Noon
Tucker Missionary Baptist Church
515 Oakwood Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13205
Saturday, November 19, 9:00 am –12:00 Noon

Additional West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in Onondaga County

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 West Nile virus and  Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in two separate mosquito pools. Each mosquito pool was collected on September 20, 2011 and both  are  located in the town of Cicero. The Island Road trap found evidence of EEE  and the Taft Road trap found evidence of WNV. The total number of mosquitoes trapped continues to remain low.
Until the first frost, it is essential that the public continue to take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to keep your yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population near your home. 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: http:/ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html

Prepare a Kit. Make a Plan. Stay Informed.

Prepare a Kit. Make a Plan. Stay Informed.
 
 
During recent weeks, Central New York has been affected by severe weather conditions.   A
 multi -county effort has responded to the challenge to ensure the health and safety of Central New York residents. We want reassure the Central New York community that Onondaga, Madison, and Oswego Counties are continuing to work collaboratively to plan and prepare for all types of emergencies that may arise.
Kevin E. Wisely, Commissioner of Onondaga County Emergency Management encourages Onondaga County residents to take a few simple steps to be sure you are prepared in the event of an emergency: Get a Kit. Make a plan. Stay informed.
Prepare a Kit: Your emergency supply kit should contain three days worth of items. This should include water (one gallon of water for each person per day), non-perishable foods, a first aid kit, prescriptions, a flashlight, and a battery-operated radio with extra batteries. If you own pets, remember to include their food and supplies in your kit.
Make a Plan: Discuss and agree on an emergency plan with your family. Get a plan form that your family can use by going to ready.ongov.net. Fill this out and save it with your important documents and supplies.
Stay Informed: Visit ready.ongov.net to learn more about how your family can take steps to be prepared in the event of an emergency.
Take steps now to be prepared for all types of emergencies. Prepare a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed.

Additional Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Additional Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Virus in Onondaga County
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) in two mosquito pools. One mosquito pool was collected on September 7 and another was collected on September 15, 2011  both from the Island Road trap located in the Town of Cicero. The total number of mosquitoes trapped continues to dramatically decrease.
Until the first frost, it is essential that the public continue to take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to keep your yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population near your home. 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: http:/ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html

 

Additional Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Additional Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Virus in Onondaga County
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) in a mosquito pool collected on September 7, 2011  from the Island Road trap located in the Town of Cicero. The total number of mosquitoes trapped had dramatically decreased in the last two weeks.
Until the first frost, it is essential that the public continue to take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to keep your yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population near your home. 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 tin cans, 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: http:/ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html

 

FREE Health Screenings for Adults Offered September 24

FOR RELEASE: August 25, 2011                                                                                                       
CONTACTS:
Kathy Mogle, OnondagaCounty Health Department, 315-435-3280 or hlkmogl@ongov.net
Leesa Kelley, Crouse Hospital, 315- 470-7105 or leesakelley@crouse.org
Amy Delia, American Cancer Society, 315-433-5614 or amy.delia@cancer.org
FREE Health Screenings for Adults Offered September 24
Syracuse, NY – Everyone knows someone who has little or no health insurance, limited access to medical care or even insurance with such a high deductible they can’t afford to get routine medical exams. In Onondaga County, more than 10 percent of adults or 32,000 people, do not have any type of health insurance and nearly 15 percent, or 51,000 adults, said cost prevented them from visiting a doctor within the past year.1
            “These numbers of people not accessing routine medical care are why next month’s annual FREE Get Health Connected Screening Fair is so valuable,“ said Cynthia Morrow, MD, MPH Onondaga County Health Commissioner. “Health screenings can be helpful because they detect health problems at early stages, when we have the chance to save lives. We would really like to see people who are uninsured and under-insured, as well as those unable to schedule regular exams for one reason or another take advantage of this offer.”
            Set for Saturday, September 24, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center at Oncenter, 800 S. State St., downtown Syracuse, the Get Health Connected Screening Fair offers free on-site health screenings and information to adults (18 and older), including:
            – blood pressure;         – breast cancer;*
            – colorectal cancer;     – cholesterol;
            – diabetes;                   – HIV;
            – lung function;            –prostate cancer.*
            – vision                         *(Advance appointment needed by calling Upstate Connect at 464-8668.)
            Spanish and Bosnian language translators will be on-site to provide assistance, as will staff from public health plans to help individuals enroll in an insurance program.
            Additionally, pharmacists will be at the event teaching people about the importance of medication logs and how to complete them, along with smoking cessation counselors; emergency medical personnel providing CPR and AED demonstrations; registration for bone marrow donors; demonstrations of proper hand-washing technique and healthy food preparation; and many more tables with information and experts to answer questions.
            Free parking, free transportation by request, door prizes and healthy refreshments will be available to anyone taking advantage of the free screenings. Please call (315) 464-8668 for more information or to make a transportation request.
            Get Health Connected is a voluntary consortium of CNY health and human service agencies and hospitals with support from local corporations. The entire event is organized and executed with goods and services donated by these organizations.
###
1. New York State Expanded Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Report: July 2008-June 2009, Onondaga County — www.health.state.ny.us/statistics/brfss/expanded/2009/county/docs/onondaga.pdf

 

Additional Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

Additional Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus and West Nile Virus in Onondaga County

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 both Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquito pools.  Mosquito pools collected from
August 23 – August 25, 2011 on Route 298 and on Taft Road, both in the Town of Cicero, were identified as having EEE.  In addition, WNV was identified in mosquito pools collected from
August 17 – August 25, 2011 in mosquito traps on Midler Avenue in the City of Syracuse, Gerelock Road in the Town of Geddes, and also on Taft Road and Route 298 both in the Town of Cicero.   All of the mosquito pools were collected before aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp. Morrow reinforced, “These findings provide further evidence that the public must continue to practice personal protection measures.”
It is essential that the public continue to take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to keep your yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population near your home. 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 tin cans, 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: /health/mosquitoborne.html

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus and West Nile Virus in Onondaga County

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus and West Nile Virus in Onondaga County
Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow announced that the New York State Department  of Health’s laboratory has reported finding evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis  (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquito pools in the vicinity of the Cicero Swamp. Mosquito pools collected on August 16, 2011 on Taft Road and on Route 298 were identified as having both Eastern Equine Encephalitisand West Nile virus. In addition, WNV was identified from a mosquito pool collected on August 16, 2011 on Island Road.   One probable human case and one suspected human case of West Nile virus have been reported in Onondaga County to date this year.
Based on these findings, aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and immediate surrounding areas will be done. Based on the availability of the company who will be doing the aerial spraying,   the spraying is planned to be held on Monday, August 29 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, weather permitting.   Residents in the spray areas, in addition to being notified through the media, will be notified through the emergency notification system. The designated spray area is 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. The pesticide that will be used for aerial spraying is Kontrol. 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/MasterLineKontrol30-30label.pdf
During spraying, it is recommended that residents:
§         Stay indoors and keep windows closed for one hour after your area has been sprayed
§         Keep pets indoors if possible
§         Cover outdoor gardens and rinse 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 launder clothes before wearing
§         If you are driving during the spraying, close your car windows and vents
It is also important that the public continue to take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to keep your yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population near your home. 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 tin cans, 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. To view a map of the aerial spraying area visit /health/documents/county_environmental_health_cicero_swamp_
spraying_911_notification_map.pdf.

Additional Finding of West Nile Virus in Onondaga County

Additional Finding of West Nile Virus in Onondaga County
Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported finding evidence of West Nile virus in two mosquito pools. Both mosquito pools were collected on Gerelock Road in the town of Geddes on August 10, 2011 and sent to the New York State laboratory for testing. This is the third finding of West Nile virus in Onondaga County this year. There have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus reported in Onondaga County to date this year. Larviciding  (the use of pesticides to control mosquito larvae) has been done recently at the Fairgrounds area to help reduce the mosquito population.
Additional mosquito control measures are also being planned. Ground spraying from trucks has been scheduled to take place inside and  surrounding the Fairgrounds. The designated spraying area is generally bounded to the north by Rt. 690, to the east by Bridge Street, to the south by Gerelock and Belle Isle Road, and to the west by Rt. 695. The truck spraying is planned for Sunday, August 21 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm weather permitting. Residents in the spray areas are being notified through the media.  If weather conditions are unfavorable, spraying will occur on Monday, August 22, from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.  In the past, ground spraying at the NYS Fair has taken place as a public health measure. The pesticide that will be used for truck spraying is Anvil. This pesticide is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Division of Environmental Conservation for this use. This product will be applied at very low concentration and is not expected to cause any adverse reactions. A copy of the pesticide label can be found on the Onondaga County website at www.ongov.net/health/documents/AnvilProductLabel.pdf
During spraying, it is recommended that residents:
§         Stay indoors and keep windows closed for one hour after your area has been sprayed
§         Keep pets indoors if possible
§         Cover outdoor gardens and  rinse 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 launder clothes before wearing
§         If you are driving during the spraying, close your car windows and vents
It is also important that the public continue to take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to keep your yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population near your home. 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 tin cans, 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. To view a map of the ground spraying area visit www.ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html.

West Nile Virus in Onondaga County

West Nile Virus in Onondaga County
Onondaga County Health Commissioner,  Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported finding evidence of West Nile virus in Onondaga County. The finding was in a mosquito pool collected at Oneida Shores, Bartell Road in the town of Cicero on August 4, 2011 and sent to the New York State laboratory for testing. This is the second finding of West Nile virus in Onondaga County this year. There have been no human cases of West Nile virus reported in Onondaga County so far this year.
Morrow reminded residents, “It is important that the public take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to keep your yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population near your home.”
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 tin cans, 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 more information about mosquito borne disease visit www.ongov.net/health; this website is updated weekly.