ONONDAGA COUNTY, JULY 24, 2024 – The Onondaga County Health Department was notified by the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory today that mosquito pools from traps in Onondaga County show the presence of several viruses. West Nile virus (WNV) and Flanders virus (FLAV) were detected at East Taft Road in the Town of Cicero. Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV), WNV, FLAV, and Highlands J virus (HJV) were detected at Route 298 in the Town of Cicero. Previous findings of FLAV and Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) were announced July 16.
Mosquito trapping has been occurring in Onondaga County for many years, and the detection of viruses in mosquitoes in our region is not unusual but serves as an important reminder to exercise caution.
Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson explains, “While mosquito counts in Central New York are relatively low, the presence of these viruses show the importance of taking measures to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites during outdoor activities throughout the summer.”
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.
Future Measures
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.
More Information and Resources
The Health Department reports mosquito counts and any virus findings as part of their weekly mosquito pool testing on their website. For more information about personal protection measures against mosquitoes, visit www.ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html or contact the Onondaga County Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health at 315. 435.1649.
For more information about mosquito-borne illnesses, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/eastern-equine-encephalitis/about/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/jamestown-canyon/symptoms-diagnosis-treatment/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/index.html