(Madison County, NY – July 21, 2015) The Madison County Health Department reported today that the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in a second mosquito pool, collected on July 13. The mosquito pool was collected from Moore Road in the Town of Sullivan in a mainly bird biting mosquito species.
While mosquito populations have decreased slightly from the previous week, this is the second EEE positive mosquito pool detected and residents need to take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Enhanced surveillance activities by the Madison County Health Department will continue throughout the season.
“Personal protection is the single most effective way we can prevent mosquito bites,” said Geoffrey Snyder, Madison County Health Department’s Director of Environmental Health. “The EEE virus is in the natural environment in which we live and no actions can eliminate the mosquitoes carrying the EEE virus. Wearing insect repellant and wearing long sleeved shirt and pants when outside are essential steps everyone can and should take.”
Wear Repellent
Mosquito repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or IR3535 to prevent mosquito bites are recommended. When applying repellent on children, parents should put it on their hands and then apply it to their child. Repellent should not be applied to the face. Insect repellents should be used according to label instructions. Wash repellents from skin and clothing upon returning indoors.
Need help selecting the right insect repellent for you or your family? Visit a list of registered repellents and information on product effectiveness at http://www2.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-insect-repellent-right-you.
Dress to Repel
Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks when outdoors for a long period of time.
Avoid Mosquitoes
In addition, mosquito bites can be prevented by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
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 and 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.
Any further actions beyond increasing personal protection will be taken if deemed necessary to control the EEE virus.
For more information about EEE and protection measures you can take at home, call the Madison County Health Department at 366-2361 or visit the Department’s website at www.healthymadisoncounty.org.