August 29, 2001
Health Department to Begin Larvacide Application For 2001 Season
BINGHAMTON, NY - County Executive Jeffrey P. Kraham announced today that the Broome County Health Department would begin application of a mosquito larvacide in the storm sewers with catch basins in selected localities in Broome County. This action is being taken to help prevent the spread of West Nile virus by averting the development of adult mosquitoes in these locations. The treated area will be the urban core of Broome County including all or parts of the City of Binghamton, the Villages of Johnson City, Endicott, Port Dickinson and the Towns of Dickinson, Vestal, Kirkwood, Conklin, Chenango, Union, Fenton, Maine, Windsor, and Binghamton.
On Monday August 20, 2001, local leaders confirmed a report from the New York State Health Department Laboratory that an American Crow found in the City of Binghamton was positive for the West Nile virus. Surveillance has also shown the presence of target mosquito larva species in this area.
Application of the mosquito larvacide Vectolex CG (active ingredient Bacillus Sphaericus) will begin, Friday, August 31, 2001. Vectolex CG is commonly used for larval control in storm drainage catch basins.
Targeted pests include mosquitoes in the larval stage of development, specifically those species known to carry the West Nile virus. Application of the larvacide will take place from August 31, 2001 through September 7, 2001 with alternate dates for inclement weather of September 8, 2001 through September 15, 2001. In compliance with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Larvacide Permit, catch basins near wetlands will not be treated.
Questions regarding the application of pesticides may be directed to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at 315.426.7403 or the Central New York Regional Poison Control Center at 800.252.5655.
"In 2001, we still feel this is the safest and most appropriate step to take under the current circumstances," said Mr. Kraham. "Treatment of catch basins is a supplement to household habitat reduction. There are 15,000 catch basins in Broome County but over 80,000 housing units, therefore household habitat reduction is still the most effective activity that can be taken against West Nile virus in all areas of the county."
Mr. Kraham reminded all Broome County residents that the most important steps they can take against the West Nile virus include:
County Health Director Charles H. Wolford verified that there have been no confirmed human cases of the West Nile virus infection in Broome County in 2000 or 2001. Mr. Wolford went on to re-emphasize that the risk of a normal healthy adult or child becoming seriously ill with the West Nile virus is very small, indeed less than one percent.
Although the elderly are at increased risk for developing serious illness as a result of West Nile virus infection, the risk is still exceedingly small. The best way to avoid serious illness is to avoid mosquito bites. Senior citizens should install or repair screens around their homes; wear protective clothing; and consider the use of insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors at dusk or dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
Residents who find dead crows are encouraged to contact the Broome County Health Department Environmental Health Division at 607.778.2887 during normal business hours. After hours and on weekends, Broome County Emergency Services, at 607.778.1911, will record the name of caller and the location of the dead crow, only. The Broome County Health Department West Nile virus Information Line with recorded information about West Nile virus, can be accessed anytime by calling 607.778.3911, option 4.
Please see attached maps of target areas and Notices of Intent
Map: Western Larvacide Application Region
Map: Eastern Larvacide Application Region
Map: Entire Larvacide Application Region
Older Press Releases are online for archival purposes only. If you need updated information regarding items contained in these press releases please contact the Broome County Executive's office. Thank you.
