(Wampsville, NY – Aug. 9, 2015) Further mosquito surveillance activities by Madison County have detectedmore evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus. EEE virus was detected in two additional mosquito pools collected recently in the Black Creek Swamp areain the Town of Sullivan.A total of four mosquito pools have now tested positive for EEE and one mosquito pool has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in the Town of Sullivan.
Due to the continued detection of EEE virus, and the concern that the virus will spread to mosquito species that bite humans in addition to infected birds, the Madison County Health Department is making plans to conduct aerial spraying in the Town of Sullivan. Aerial spraying to reduce mosquito borne virus is expected to be conducted next week, but is dependent on weather conditions and ensuring the public is properly notified.
To ensure the public has the opportunity to prepare in advance, details on the day and time of spraying will be announced in advance through the news media and by phone calls to landlines in affected areas using the NY-Alertsystem.Residents areencouraged to self-enroll in NY-Alert to ensure they receive alerts by landline phone, cell phone, and/or email at https://users.nyalert.gov.
Information will also be posted on the Madison County Health Department website, www.healthymadisoncounty.org.
Aerial spraying can be effective in lowering mosquito populations for up to two weeks; it does not eliminate all mosquitos or the risk of mosquito borne illness. Spraying is only a temporary control measure to interrupt the spread of EEE virus and WNV.
Preventing mosquito bites using insect repellant and by wearing clothes covering exposed skin when outdoors remains extremely important to reduce risk of getting EEE from an infected mosquito. More information on personal protection measures can be found on the Health Department’s website at www.healthymadisoncounty.org or call 315-366-2361.