Richland (WSYR-TV) – Health officials in Oswego County say EEE virus is to blame for the death of a horse in the town of Richland.
The department also noted that test sites in the Toad Harbor Big Bay Swamp area in the town of Hastings also continue to produce positive results.
In a statement from the department, Oswego County Health Department Public Health Director Dr. Dennis Norfleet said that the county continues to take measure against EEE and West Nile Virus.
“While there is less EEE activity around the county since we conducted aerial spraying, the virus is still present at our test sites,” he said. “We are working with the state health department to monitor the situation and residents should continue to use extreme caution and take protective measures to guard against mosquito bites.”
Norfleet added, “Mosquitoes are less active in the fall due to cooler temperatures in the evenings, but they are still here and will continue to be until we have a couple of heavy frosts to eliminate them. Until then, people need to be vigilant to prevent exposure to mosquitoes.”
The county also issued details on some of the measures residents can take against the virus:
The county health department continues to urge residents to take measures to protect against mosquitoes, such as using insect repellents when they are outside, and reduce the mosquito population around their homes by emptying pails, swimming pool covers, flower pots and other containers of standing water around the home and yard.
Additional measures:
-Avoid areas where mosquitoes concentrate and limit outside activity between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
-Use insect repellent. Repellents containing DEET are the most effective, but should be used with caution and according to label instructions.
-Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt if you are outdoors for long periods of time.
-Replace or repair broken screens.
For more information about EEE and other viruses transmitted by mosquitoes, call the Oswego County Health Department at 315-349-3564 or 1-800-596-3200, ext.3564 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. or visit the
New York State Department of Health website.
