Onondaga County Health Commissioner Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, is notifying the public that eight mosquito pools from samples collected last week have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). One pool was from a trap in the Town of DeWitt, two in the Town of Salina, and five in the Town of Cicero. Dr. Gupta explained, “It is evident that mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus are present in a number of areas throughout Onondaga County. It is extremely important to protect yourself against mosquito bites, which is the best way to protect yourself from WNV and other mosquito-borne viral illnesses.” Gupta also explained that the Health Department continues to be vigilant in monitoring the county’s mosquito population and presence of virus by checking the mosquito traps twice per week and working to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
Personal protection is recommended during outdoor activities by wearing shoes, 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.
It is also important to reduce mosquito breeding grounds, thereby reducing the mosquito population:
- 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 visit www.ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html or contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at (315) 435-1649.