Mosquitoes can transmit rare but serious diseases
If you have a yard or swimming pool, you can fight mosquitoes and protect your neighborhood
Warm weather and damp conditions make it easy for mosquitoes to do what they do best: reproduce, bite your skin, cause terrible itching and transmit disease. As summer turns to fall, the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) urges residents to take proactive steps to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.
Mosquitoes are considered the world’s deadliest animal based on the diseases they spread to humans throughout history. Luckily, mosquito populations can be controlled, and there are simple measures that people can take to reduce their risk of mosquito bites.
West Nile Virus Update
The New York State Department of Health conducts surveillance testing of mosquito pools in Western New York, including locations in Erie County. Testing this season has confirmed West Nile virus in local mosquito populations. Since mosquitoes do not follow town or county boundaries, there is a small, but real, risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission from mosquito bites.
Common West Nile virus symptoms include fever, headaches and body aches in about 1 in 5 people who are infected. There is no vaccine against West Nile virus, and there are no medicines or treatments – only supportive care for symptoms.
People who travel to other parts of the country or world with warm and wet climates can also be at risk of mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria, chikungunya, yellow fever and dengue fever; when traveling, avoid insect bites as much as possible to reduce your risk of disease.
The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
- Use EPA-registered insect repellent that contain DEET or picaridin; avoid spraying in eyes and follow product instructions for use. These products are safe and effective, even for pregnant or breastfeeding people.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants; clothing and gear treated with permethrin offers additional and longer protection
- Stay inside at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active
- Repair windows, window screens and doorways to fix any gaps that could let mosquitoes in
To control mosquito populations on your property:
- Dispose of water-holding containers, used tires, and yard waste properly.
- Ensure outdoor recycling bins drain, clean gutters, and eliminate standing water by draining or filling low areas.
- Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Change birdbath water twice a week.
- Maintain pools, hot tubs, and fountains with cleaning and chlorine.
More on mosquitoes from our Division of Environmental Health
###
