Subject: Onondaga County Health Department Announcement Regarding Aerial Mosquito Spraying in Cicero Swamp Area
The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed the presence of the eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes captured in traps at the Cicero Swamp. The detection of these viruses was first notified on July 24, 2024, in the same region.
With ongoing warm temperatures, the risk of mosquito bites transmitting diseases remains high. Residents are strongly advised by the Health Department to take precautions when outdoors to prevent mosquito bites.
As a preventive measure, the Onondaga County Health Department is arranging for aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and its nearby surroundings. This preemptive measure aims to disrupt the breeding cycle of mosquitoes, subsequently decreasing the population of mosquitoes that could potentially transmit the viruses to humans.
The aerial spraying operation is scheduled for Wednesday, August 7, post 6:30 p.m., subject to weather conditions. Residents within the targeted spray zones will receive notification via the 911 emergency notification system.
The designated spray areas are geographically defined by Route 31 in the north, Northern Boulevard in the west, Taft Road in the south, and the county line (Chittenango Creek) in the east. Specific roads included in this area are Route 298, Bull Street, Eastwood Road, Island Road, Cicero Center Road, Fergerson Road, Ferstler Road, and Oxbow Road.
The pesticide Kontrol 30-30 will be utilized for the aerial spraying, registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Division of Environmental Conservation for this purpose. The pesticide label can be accessed on the Onondaga County Health Department website at http://ongov.net/health/env/documents/Kontrol3030Label.pdf, or obtained by calling 315-435-1649.
Residents within the spray zone are advised to:
– Avoid using drones or aerial flying products during scheduled spraying.
– Stay indoors and close windows for roughly an hour after the spray has been applied.
– Keep pets indoors if feasible.
– Adjust window air conditioners to indoor air circulation and use central air conditioning.
– Cover outdoor gardens; wash vegetables before consumption.
– Store outdoor items like toys and clothes indoors; wash them before use.
– Shut car windows and vents if driving during spraying.
For further details on mosquito-transmitted viruses, aerial spraying, and preventive measures against mosquito bites, visit here.