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BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) – The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) is warning residents after West Nile virus (WNO) has been detected in mosquitoes in the county.
ECDOH is doing routine testing in mosquito breeding areas and found the virus in the county this month. Human cases of WNV are rare, according to ECDOH. There were 2 local cases in 2018, 1 in 2017 and 12 in 2012.
An infection with WNV can be serious and sometimes fatal, but people usually have a mild fever with flu-like symptoms.
ECDOH recommends limiting outdoor activities to dusk and dawn, covering as much skin as possible when outdoors, and using effective insect repellants.
“In a house or apartment, check the screens and fix any holes or tears,” Health Commissioner Dr Gale Burstein said. “Other barriers like netting for strollers and playpens, long sleeves and pants, socks and shoes, and hats are also good mosquito protection measures.”
ECDOH also recommends the following steps to reduce mosquito breeding opportunities –
• Eliminate local mosquito breeding sites – mosquitoes thrive in standing water.
• Do not leave standing water for more than two days before disposing of it. Mosquito eggs can hatch in the amount of water left in a single bottle cap.
• Change the water in birdbaths and planter bases every other day.
• Clean clogged gutters to allow rain to drain freely.
• Regular maintenance of the swimming pool.
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