September 18, 2000

Health Department to Conduct Larvacide Application

In Additional Areas of Broome County

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - County Executive Jeffrey P. Kraham announced today that the Broome County Health Department will conduct mosquito larvacide application in additional jurisdictions of Broome County. This action is in response to the identification of three crows infected with West Nile Virus found on the southside of the City of Binghamton, the Town of Chenango and the Village of Endicott. The mosquito larval control agent will be placed in catch basins in the following areas:

• most of the Town of Chenango;
• the Village of Endicott;
• the portions of the Town of Union bounded to the north by Twist Run Road, Sally Piper Road and Union Center;
• the additional untreated areas of the Village of Johnson City;
• the Town of Dickinson bounded by the Chenango River to the East, the Town of Chenango to the North, Ely Park golf course to the west and the City of Binghamton to the south;
• the Town of Kirkwood bounded by the Town of Dickinson to the north, the New York State line to the south and a line two miles from the Susquehanna River to the east, the Susquehanna to the west;
• the portion of the Town of Conklin bounded by the City of Binghamton to the north; the Susquehanna river to the east; the New York State line to the south; a line two miles from the Susquehanna river to the west;
• the portion of the Town of Fenton bounded by the Village of Port Dickinson and Town of Kirkwood to the south, Port Crane to the east and the Chenango River to the north and west.

Application of the mosquito larvacide Vectolex CG (active ingredient Bacillus Sphaericus) will begin the latter part of the week of September 18, 2000, weather permitting. Vectolex CG is commonly used for larval control in storm drainage catch basins or roadside ditches. Larvacide application will be conducted by certified pesticide applicators.

"Larval mosquito control is one component of the integrated pest management surveillance and control program planned by Broome County in response to the presence of West Nile Virus," said Mr. Kraham. This surveillance and control program will include public education concerning habitat reduction and personal protective measures, larval and mosquito monitoring as well as continued human and bird surveillance, and safe and appropriate control measures.

Application of the larvacide will take place from September 22 through September 29, 2000 with alternate dates for inclement weather of September 30 through October 7, 2000.

The goal of these actions is to minimize human exposure and interrupt the transmission cycle of the West Nile Virus.

Questions regarding the application of pesticides may be directed to either the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at (315) 426-7403, the Central New York Regional Poison Control Center at 800-252-5655, or the Broome County Health Department at 607.778.2887. Health Department staff is available to answer emergency questions.

Although mosquito activity is generally reduced as the temperature drops, we are likely to have warm and sunny days through September and into October. It is important for residents to continue to practice habitat reduction around their property by taking the following steps:

• dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, flower pots or other items that hold water;
• remove all discarded tires from your property;
• drill holes in the bottom of recycling bins kept outdoors;
• clean clogged rain gutters;
• turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use;
• change water in birdbaths at least every four days;
• clear vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds to allow natural predators to control eggs and larva;
• clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs; drain pool covers; and
• use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates, such as under decks or mobile homes.

Broome County Public Health Director, Charles H. Wolford, emphasized that the risk of a normal healthy adult becoming seriously ill with the West Nile Virus is very small, indeed less than one percent. Those most potentially susceptible to the virus include the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. They should avoid likely mosquito habitats, install or repair screens around their homes, wear protective clothing, and consider the use of insect repellent containing DEET.

Surveillance of dead birds is still an important component of the Broome County West Nile Virus Response Plan. Residents who find dead crows are encouraged to contact the Broome County Health Department Environmental Health Division at (607) 607.778.2887 during working hours and 607.778.1911 after regular business hours.

Residents reporting other dead birds should call 607.778.2887, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Residents with general questions concerning West Nile Virus are encouraged to call the Health Department West Nile Virus Information Line, anytime at (607) 607.778.3911.

Additional information about the West Nile Virus is available at the New York State Department of Health's website: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/west_nile_virus/

West Nile Virus - "Fight the Bite" brochure

You need Acrobat Reader to read these forms. Download it the latest version by clicking on the Acrobat Reader Icon!

Health Watch Archives

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.