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Kathleen Cuddy, MPH Public Health Director Cayuga County Health Department 8 Dill St. Auburn, NY 13021 For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 21, 2018 The Cayuga County Health Department is reminding the public to continue to “Fight the Bite” this summer. Recently, mosquito pools in Oswego and Onondaga counties have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and mosquito pools in Onondaga County have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). It is imperative to take measures to minimize being bitten by mosquitoes. With continued warm weather and many central New Yorkers enjoying summer by spending time outdoors, it is critical that residents continue to use personal protection measures and not to become complacent in doing so. If you are spending time outdoors, you should take the following precautions: • Personal protection measures are recommended during outdoor activities and includes; wearing shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts. • Consider using a mosquito repellent containing 20-30% DEET or Picardin. Follow the label directions. Wash your treated skin with soap and water after returning indoors. • Make sure there are screens in your home’s windows and doors. Make sure they are free of rips, tears and holes Reduce mosquito breeding by eliminating standing water on your property: • Clean clogged rain gutters. • Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use. • Change water in bird baths every four days. • Properly maintain swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs, drain water from pool covers. • Use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates. • Throw away outdoor containers, ceramic pots, or containers that hold water. • Remove all tires from your property. • Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors For more information, call the Cayuga County Health Department at [PHONE REDACTED] or visit our website: www.cayugacounty.us/environmental