Healthy Life

 The New York State Department of Health notified the Oswego County Health Department that Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) was found in two mosquito samples collected last week

. One of those samples also tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). Both samples were taken from the town of West Monroe.

Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor reminds people that mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases remain a threat in the environment until there are a couple of heavy frosts.

“The mosquito population may be slowly declining, but these sample results remind us that the mosquitoes still around could be infected with a virus,” she said. “It’s important for people to remain vigilant to protect themselves from mosquito bites. That is still the best defense against these viruses.”

People are advised to limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are usually more active, and to wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, socks and shoes when outdoors to prevent exposure to mosquitoes.

Insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus are an effective form of mosquito protection. Those who use them are advised to read the product label and follow package instructions. Repellents that contain permethrin are meant for clothing and gear and should not be applied directly to the skin.

“It’s also important for people to reduce exposure to mosquitoes in and around their homes or properties,” said Oswego County Associate Public Health Sanitarian Chris Williams. “Eliminating standing water to reduce mosquito breeding areas and installing, replacing or repairing broken screens to keep mosquitoes outside are all vital steps to guard against mosquitoes.”

Other preventative measures include:

• Cover rain barrels or other water collection devices with a screen.
• Empty or dispose of pails, cans, flowerpots or similar water-holding containers.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
• Change the water in birdbaths and horse troughs twice a week.
• Clean and chlorinate outdoor pools, saunas and hot tubs and drain pool covers.
• Clean out clogged gutters to be sure they drain properly.
• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
• Remove leaf debris from yards and gardens, and clear vegetation and debris from the edge of ponds.
• Dispose of old tires as they are a significant mosquito breeding site. Used tires are accepted at Oswego County transfer stations for a charge. Contact the Oswego County Solid Waste Department at 315-591-9200 for details.
• Use mosquito dunk kits to reduce mosquito populations in certain situations. Each kit contains a larvicide and must be used according to the directions provided.

Homeowners can pick up a free mosquito dunk kit (while supplies last) at these locations:

• Oswego County Health Department front desk, entrance B, 70 Bunner St., Oswego; 315-349-3547
• Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District front door, 3105 NYS Rte. 3, Fulton; 315-592-9663
• Local municipal facility or office.

The county and state health departments continue to monitor the mosquito population and virus activity in Oswego County.

For more information about protecting your family against mosquitoes, call the Oswego County Health Department at 315-349-3547 or visit the New York State Department of Health website at http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2731/.