Be Extra Vigilant And Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes
Bad News. The Oswego County Health Department reported that although the aerial spraying conducted to reduce the number of mosquitoes was effective in and around Hastings, additional samples tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).
Public Health Director Jiancheng Huang said it is very important that people continue to take steps to protect themselves against mosquitoes in all areas of Oswego County. Aerial spraying can be effective in reducing mosquito populations, but it does not eliminate all mosquitoes.
According to the Oswego County Public Information Office the following precautions should be taken:
- Use insect repellent properly. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are the most effective and should be used according to package instructions.
- Certain other EPA-approved products containing permethrin can be used on clothing, shoes, bed netting and camping gear to repel and kill mosquitoes and a number of other pests such as ticks. Read the product label and use according to package instructions.
- Whenever possible, limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- As weather permits, wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks.
- Repair or replace torn window and door screens.
- Empty or dispose of pails, cans, flower pots, or similar water-holding containers.
- Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
- Clear roof gutters and be sure they drain properly.
- Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs and drain pool covers.
- Change the water in birdbaths and horse troughs twice a week.
- Remove leaf debris from yards and gardens and clean vegetation and debris from the edge of ponds.
- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
For more information about EEE and other viruses transmitted by mosquitoes, call the Oswego County Health Department at 315-349-3564 or 1-800-596-3200, ext. 3564 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays or visit the Oswego County Health Department’s website at www.oswegocounty.com/health. After 4 p.m., call 341-0086.