More EEE and West Nile Virus found in Oswego County

The Oswego County Health Department said the test results they received this week indicate new positive results for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus.

The report listed three mosquito pools as positive for EEE, two in Toad Harbor Swamp and one in the town of Hastings, and two mosquito pools are listed as positive, one in the town of Hastings and the other in Palermo, according to department officials. The county health department continues to work with the New York State Department of Health to monitor mosquito activity.

“While mosquito counts are low at this time of year, they are still active,” Oswego County Public Health Director Jiancheng Huang said. “With the nice fall weather coming, people will be out hiking, fishing, and enjoying other outdoor activities. It is very important for them to continue to follow their personal protection practices and to reduce mosquito populations around their homes.”

The county health department advises taking these precautions:

• Use a mosquito repellent according to label directions.
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt if you are outdoors for long periods of time, and when mosquitoes are most active, between dusk and dawn.
• Empty pails, swimming pool covers, flower pots and other containers of standing water around the home and yard.
• Remove all discarded tires from around your property.
• Replace or repair broken screens.

For more information, call the Oswego County Health Department at 315-349-3564 or click here.