ONONDAGA CO. -- More pools of mosquitoes have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus in Onondaga County.
They were found in the Cicero, Syracuse and Geddes areas.
A pool of mosquitoes collected from August 23-25 on Route 298 and on Taft Road in Cicero tested positive for EEE. West Nile virus was found in mosquito pools collected from August 17-25 on Midler Avenue in Syracuse, Gerelock Road in Geddes and Taft Road and Route 298 in Cicero.
All of the mosquito pools were collected before aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp.
This isn't the first time this season EEE and West Nile have popped up in Onondaga County. Last month, it prompted spraying near the Cicero Swamp.
"These findings provide further evidence that the public must continue to practice personal protection measures," said Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia Morrow.
Health officials are now reminding you to keep your yard free of standing water to reduce the mosquito population near your home. Remember, mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. Make sure you wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when you're outside for a long period of time. Also, apply a mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535 to prevent mosquito bites. Do not put the repellent directly onto children. Instead, put it on your hands and apply it to your child. Do not put insect repellent on your face. Make sure to wash your skin and clothes after coming back inside.
Health officials are also offering the following tips:
- Throw away outdoor tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or containers that hold water
- Remove all tires from your property
- Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors
- Clean clogged rain gutters and make sure they continue to work properly
- Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use
- Change water in bird baths at least every four days
- Clear vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds
- Clean chlorinated swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs
- Drain water from pool covers
- Use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates
For more information, call the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at (315) 435-1649. You can also get updates by clicking here.
