Madison County
(Sullivan – Aug. 12) Madison County Public Health Director Eric Faisst, announced last week that state laboratory testing has confirmed additional evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in a third mosquito pool in Sullivan. The third mosquito pool positive for EEE was collected on Black Creek Road; the two previously announced positive mosquito pools were collected on Moore Road.
“Although we are seeing fewer numbers of mosquitoes, with the third lab confirmation of EEE this season, we must continue to emphasize the importance of personal protection measures to repel mosquitos and avoid bites and take all possible steps to reduce mosquito breeding areas around homes,” Faisst said.
Apply insect repellent. Mosquito repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or IR3535 to prevent mosquito bites are recommended. Repellent should not be applied to the face. When applying repellent on children, parents should put it on their hands and then apply it to their child. Insect repellents should be used according to label instructions. Wash repellents from skin and clothing upon returning indoors.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of products registered by EPA with technical information on product effectiveness. Visit the EPA’s list of registered repellents at http://www2.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-insect-repellent-right-you.
Avoid key mosquito biting hours. A second key step to prevent mosquito bites is limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn. This is when mosquitoes are most active.
Dress to repel mosquitoes. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks when outdoors for a long period of time.
Mosquito-proof your home. Remove or drain standing water around your home and eliminate conditions that enable mosquitoes to breed and multiply. Take the following measures to reduce mosquito breeding round your home:
* Throw away or turn over outdoor containers, pots, wheelbarrows or other items that hold water.
* Place watertight lids on refuse containers, and drill drain holes in recycling containers kept outdoors.
* Remove all tires from property.
* Change water in bird baths frequently, recirculate water in small ponds and ornamental features or apply a mosquito larvacide product appropriate for such use.
* Clean and maintain rain gutters.
* Drain wading pools when not in use, water from pool covers, maintain and keep clean chlorinated swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
* Use landscaping to eliminate low areas where standing water accumulates, keep lawns mowed and clear vegetation from edges of ponds.
For more information about personal protection measures, www.healthymadisoncounty.org or call 315.366.2361.