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Another batch of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus has been found in Oswego County. Health officials reported on Thursday (September 18) that two infected samples were collected in West Monroe, just weeks after the county sprayed 10,000 acres to combat the insects. Despite the cooler weather, mosquitoes remain a threat until the first hard frost, according to Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor.
Residents are advised to take precautions, such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and avoiding outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are recommended, while permethrin should only be used on clothing and gear. Homeowners should repair broken screens, cover rain barrels, and remove standing water to reduce mosquito habitats.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus include fever, headache, rash, nausea, and vomiting. While the virus can be deadly, fatal cases are rare, with serious illness occurring in about one in 150 people infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Residents can purchase mosquito dunk kits containing larvicide for $5 from the Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District to help control mosquito populations. For more information, contact the Oswego County Health Department or visit the New York State Department of Health website.
Oswego County Health Department and Syracuse.com provide additional details on protective measures and resources.