• Provides information regarding West Nile Virus and other mosquito borne diseases, and how to avoid mosquito bites.

West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne infection, was first found in New York State in 1999.  While the chances of anyone becoming ill from the virus are small, persons over the age of 50 infected with the virus are at higher risk for serious illness.

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but serious mosquito-borne disease.  Swampy areas in counties east of Cayuga County, such as Oswego County, historically have had some EEE virus activity in horses as well as in a few species of mosquitoes.  The best way to protect yourself from EEE is to keep mosquitoes from biting you.

When enjoying the outdoors, there are ways to avoid the mosquito bite.  Knowing when mosquitoes are most active, may also help you avoid "the bite".  Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn.  Follow these tips below to avoid mosquito bites:

• Use mosquito repellents when necessary.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks.
• Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity.  If the outdoor activity cannot be avoided, take extra pre-cautions for the duration of the activity.
• Be sure doors and windows have tight fitting screens to avoid mosquitoes from entering the home.

To reduce the mosquito population in and around your home, you need to reduce the places in which mosquitoes need to lay their eggs.  "STANDING WATER"  To reduce standing water in and around your home, look for areas in which water will remain standing, such as the following:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or any similar water holding containers.
• Dispose of any used tires.
• Remove leaf debris.
• Make sure all roof gutters drain properly.  All gutters should be free of debris that would cause them to clog.  It is recommended to clean all roof gutters in the spring and fall seasons.
• Turn over any plastic wading pools or wheel barrels when not in use.
• Change water in bird bathes on a weekly basis.  It is recommended to change water at least twice a week.
• Clean any vegetation and debris from the edge of ponds.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and drain water from pool covers.
• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

The New York State Department of Health is no longer testing birds for West Nile Virus.  West Nile Virus is present in all areas of New York State.  If you find a dead bird, weare disposable gloves and:

1. Pick up the the bird.
2. Put in in a plastic bag and double bag it.
3. Dispose of it in the trash can.

• West Nile Virus CDC Brochure
• CDC West Nile Virus(WNV) Fact Sheet
• Eastern Equine Encephalitis Fact Sheet

• CDC - Fight the Bite!
• Testing and Treating West Nile Virus in Humans
• NYS DOH Eastern Equine Encephalitis

If you would like further information about the West Nile Virus, please feel free to contact us at (315) 253-1405 or email your questions to cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us.