Oswego County, N.Y. -- Oswego County will spray 10,000 acres after mosquito samples tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus, county health officials said Tuesday.
Four mosquito samples tested positive for EEE, one in the village of Central Square and three in the town of West Monroe. The first positive sample for West Nile virus this year was also detected in West Monroe, officials said.
The county plans to conduct aerial spraying in the towns of Hastings, West Monroe and Constantia starting at 6 p.m. Thursday. Because spraying is weather dependent, the rain date is Friday.
Residents in the spray areas should stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed between 6 and 10 p.m., officials said. Health officials also advise residents to:
Both EEE and West Nile virus can cause severe brain infections if left untreated.
Aerial spraying is used to reduce the population of mosquitoes that carry viruses, but does not eliminate all of them.
Officials still advise people to take precautions and use insect repellent and wear long pants and socks when outside.