August 08, 2008
DEPARTMENT: Onondaga County Health Department For Further Information
Please Call:
Cynthia B. Morrow, MD, MPH
Commissioner of Health
435-3155
DATE: August 8, 2008
******* FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *******
First Crows Positive for West Nile Virus in Onondaga County
Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Cynthia B. Morrow announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported finding evidence of West Nile virus in two crows in Onondaga County. The crows were found on James Street in East Syracuse and Shotwell Park in the City of Syracuse. Both crows were collected and sent to the New York State laboratory on July 22 and July 23, 2008. These are the first birds identified positive for West Nile virus in Onondaga County this year. There have been no human cases of West Nile virus reported in Onondaga County this year.
Onondaga County started its adult mosquito surveillance program June. Morrow explained, "It is not unusual to have a crow positive for West Nile virus in August. It is essential that the public practice personal protection measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Please 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. Personal protection is advised during outdoor activities. Personal protection measures include wearing shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outside for a long period of time. Applying a mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535 is also recommended to prevent mosquito bites. Do not put the repellent directly onto children. Put it on your hands and apply it to your child. Do not put insect repellent on your face. Wash skin and clothing after returning indoors. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for application.
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The following are ways of helping to reduce mosquito breeding grounds:
· Replace or repair broken screens and install new screens as needed
· 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 about personal protection measures or to report a dead bird, contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 435-1649. Only a limited number of birds will be collected for testing. For more information about mosquito borne disease visit www.ongov.net; this website is updated weekly.
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