August 10, 2000

Health Department to Begin Larvacide Application

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - County Executive Jeffrey P. Kraham announced this afternoon that the Broome County Health Department would begin application of a mosquito larvacide in the City of Binghamton, the Village of Johnson City, and the Town of Dickinson bounded by the Chenango River, Susquehanna River, NYS Route 201, Wren Street, and Highland Place.

On Monday August 7th, local leaders confirmed a report from the New York State Health Department Laboratory that an American crow found in the City of Binghamton had the West Nile Virus.

Application of the mosquito larvacide Vectolex CG (active ingredient Bacillus Sphaericus) will begin tomorrow afternoon, Friday, August 11th, 2000. Vectolex CG is commonly used for larval control in storm drainage catch basins or roadside ditches. County, city and village officials, nursing home administrators, day care providers, and residents of the affected area are being notified.

"After careful consideration, we felt this was the safest and most appropriate step to take under the current circumstances," said Mr. Kraham.

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 11 through August 18, 2000 with alternate dates for inclement weather of August 19 through August 26, 2000.

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.

Mr. Kraham reminded residents that the most important steps they can take against the West Nile Virus include:

• 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;
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs; drain pool covers; and
• Use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates.

County Health Director Charles H. Wolford verified that as of Thursday afternoon August 10th there have been no confirmed human cases of the West Nile Virus infection in Broome County.

Mr. Wolford went on to re-emphasize 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, infants, 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.

Residents who find dead birds (especially crows) are encouraged to contact the Broome County Health Department Environmental Health Division at 607.778.2887.

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/

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