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County residents are again warning about mosquito borne illnesses

Oct 4, 2013 3:04 PM

Dave Rowley, News Director

The Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services is continuing to warn residents to take precautions against mosquito bites because of risk of the mosquito-borne illness Eastern Equine Encephalitis, EEE for short. The State Health Department has notified county health officials that additional EEE virus positive mosquito pools have been detected in the Conewango Creek Valley in the towns of Kiantone and Carroll. Two of the pools also contained mosquitoes that bite both birds and mammals. Mark Stow of DHHS says it's been determined that a horse has died from the rare, but lethal virus.

Stow-Horse has died from EEE

The State is continuing the declaration of an Imminent Public Health Threat in the county through October 31st. Stow says they are concerned about the situation because of the weather.

Stow-Mild weather is not helping the situation

All county residents should protect themselves from mosquito bites.

People are urged to follow these precautions to defend against mosquito bites:

Use insect repellent properly. Those with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus are most effective. Read the product label and use according to package instructions.
Limit outdoor activities in areas where mosquitoes are most active and between dusk and dawn which is the peak mosquito biting time.
If you have to be outside, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks as weather permits.
Repair or replace all window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
Reduce or eliminate all standing water.
Empty or dispose of pails, cans, flower pots, or similar water-holding containers.

Clear roof gutters, remove leaf debris from yards and gardens, and clean vegetation and debris from the edge of ponds.
Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs and drain pool covers.
Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds
Change the water in birdbaths and horse troughs twice a week.