Cayuga County Health Department would like to inform the community of a laboratory confirmed human case of West Nile Virus. The individual who has been infected is an adult male residing North of the city. He was hospitalized on August 26th, 2013 and discharged on September 9th, 2013 and is recovering at home.
Most people are infected with West Nile Virus after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. The virus is not spread through casual contact, such as touching or kissing a person with the virus.
This is a strong reminder to protect ourselves against mosquito bites. Residents are urged to continue to take the following precautions for safety and protection:
„h Remove or empty standing water from children’s outdoor toys, flower pots, garbage cans, pails, old tires or any object that collects water.
„h Make sure roof gutters drain properly; clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
„h Keep swimming pools chlorinated and their covers free of stagnant water
„h Install window and door screens and keep them in good repair
„h Wear long sleeves, pants, socks and mosquito repellent when going outdoors. Repellents containing DEET and picardin provide longer-lasting protection (use as directed).
There have been confirmed cases of mosquito pools that have been positive for West Nile Virus in Oswego and Onondaga Counties. This virus is present throughout New York State. Local communities are applying various control measures based on geographic location and level of risk.