Mosquitoes trapped in Onondaga County have tested positive for several different viruses. The county health department says West Nile, EEE, Highlands J viruses are the latest to be detected in Cicero and East Syracuse. Last week, test results confirmed the presence of Flanders and Jamestown Canyon Viruses. Health department medical director Dr. Jim Alexander says the risk to humans is quite low.
“They're more problematic if you're a songbird, then if you're a human," Alexander said. "They tend to infect birds and they are present in freshwater marshes. Some of them, for example Flanders, can predict later arrival of West Nile virus.”
Alexander says if humans get infected, symptoms are usually mild. But there are rare cases of catastrophic illness. That’s why he says simple, preventive measures are the best way to lower your risk.
“Mosquito bites are not simply annoyances. They can be dangerous," Alexander said. "I know a lot of the public has gotten that message, but I'm not sure it fits into our daily lifestyles. It's a lot like sunscreen. Everybody knows we should use it. Many people don't and the risks are really quite clear in both circumstances.”
Alexander says using mosquito repellent with DEET, wearing long pants and sleeves, and eliminating standing water can all help prevent mosquito bites. The county can also conduct aerial spraying to kill mosquitoes and their eggs. But Alexander says there are many factors involved before getting the necessary state permit.
“We have to exceed a certain threshold of viral detection. That is not a fixed number," Alexander said. "It depends on the time of year, it depends on the density. We don't want to just go out spraying insecticide or larvicide because there's mosquitoes, because there's always mosquitoes.”
Alexander says there has to be a clear public benefit, and as of now, no spraying is planned. More information about mosquito-borne viruses can be found here.
