Oswego., N.Y. - The Oswego County Health Department say they plan to spray the Toad Harbor Swamp area for mosquitos 6 pm Tuesday August 24th. The are will cover portions of the towns of Hastings, West Monroe and Constantia
They are doing this after finding mosquitos in traps positive for eastern equine encephalitis, or Triple E
Triple E is an extremely rare but serious and often fatal infection that causes encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.
The area to be sprayed is within these boundaries: U.S. Route 11 in Central Square to the west, NYS Route 49 to the north, up to but not including the village of Constantia to the east; and the shoreline of Oneida Lake to the south. Pesticide will not be applied over the open waters of Oneida Lake.
Residents in the spray area should stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed between 6 and 10 p.m. Residents are also advised to:
- Keep pets indoors.
- Close the vents on window air conditioners so that outside air doesn’t enter the home for one hour.
- Remove outdoor toys, outdoor furniture, and clothing from the clothesline. Items left outdoors should be washed thoroughly with soap and water before using.
- If you are driving through an area while spraying takes place, close your car windows and vents.
- Cover gardens, and rinse homegrown fruits and vegetables thoroughly before cooking or eating.