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 sample was taken from the village of Central Square and the other from the town of Hastings.

“The aerial spray we conducted last month was effective in reducing targeted mosquito populations; however, our ongoing surveillance shows that the viruses are still present,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “As temperatures cool, mosquitoes are less active, but they are not gone. This time of year, it is extremely important for people to remain vigilant about preventing mosquito bites. That is still the best protection against these viruses.”

Oswego County Associate Public Health Sanitarian Chris Williams added, “The excessive rain, combined with the extended period of warm weather and humidity we’ve had late this summer, contributed to an unusually busy mosquito season. They will continue to be a threat in the environment until we have a couple of heavy frosts to eliminate them. People need to remain cautious and prevent exposure to mosquitoes.”

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 mosquito bites.

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 is especially important for people to reduce mosquito habitats in and around their homes or properties.

The health department offers these tips:

• Install or repair all door and window screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
• 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.

The health department and the Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District (OCSWCD) continue to distribute free mosquito dunk kits to residents for use in certain circumstances. Each kit contains a larvicide and must be used according to the directions provided.

Homeowners can pick up a kit at the front desk at the Oswego County Health Department, entrance B, 70 Bunner St., Oswego; at the OCSWCD’s front door, 3105 NYS Rte. 3, Fulton; or at their local municipal facility. For more information about the mosquito dunk kits, call 315-592-9663 or go to www.oswegosoilandwater.com.

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/.