SYRACUSE -- Traces of the West Nile Virus have been found for the first time this year in Onondaga County.
The New York State Department of Health found evidence of the West Nile Virus in a mosquito pool at Midler Avenue on July 20th, according to Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia Morrow.
There have been no human cases of West Nile Virus reported in Onondaga County this year. The county health department started an adult mosquito surveillance program started in June, which helped identify the virus.
"This finding is a reminder that it is essential that the public take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes," said Dr. Morrow in a press release. "Please also keep your yard free from standing water because this is a breeding ground for mosquitoes to multiply."
Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn, according to the county health department.
To help protect yourself from mosquitoes, follow these tips from Dr. Morrow:
- Wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outside for a long period of time
- Apply a mosquito repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535.
- Do not put repellent directly onto children; instead, put it on your hands and apply it to your child
- Do not apply repellent to your face
Also, here are some tips from the county health department to help reduce mosquito breeding grounds:
- Throw away outdoor tin cans, plastic containers, or containers that hold water
- Remove tires from your property
- Drill holes in the the bottom of your recycling containers so water can drain
- Clean clogged rain gutters
- Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when you are not using them
- Change the water in bird baths at least once every four days
- Clean chlorinated swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs
- Drain water from pool covers
- Use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates
Do you have any of these issues in your yard or neighborhood? What steps are you taking to cut down on the risk of West Nile Virus where you live?
If you have any questions, you can contact the Onondaga County Health Department at 435-1649. You can also visit this website.
