The Peru Gazette

Clinton County, September 24, 2024. The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) is reporting one case of West Nile virus, the first case reported this season. 

The individual, who is over the age of 50 and resides in the Town of Chazy, began experiencing symptoms consistent with West Nile virus on September 1 and was subsequently hospitalized. They are now recovering. 

“Though mosquitoes usually are considered a nuisance or a pest, they occasionally can transmit viruses to people and animals,” explained Nichole Louis, Director of Health Care Services at CCHD. “In Clinton County, the mosquito-borne illnesses we can encounter are Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE, Triple E) and West Nile virus (WNV).” 

EEE and WNV are transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Along with this case of WNV, Clinton County has previously reported one EEE case identified in a horse. No human cases of EEE have been identified in Clinton County. 

Most people infected with EEE or WNV develop mild symptoms or do not develop any signs or symptoms. If illness develops, symptoms usually occur 3-15 days after the bite from an infected mosquito. Symptoms of EEE and WNV can be similar, but EEE is a much more serious illness in people who develop severe disease and much more likely to result in death. People with mild cases of mosquito-borne illness may develop fever, headache, body aches and occasionally a skin rash or swollen glands (lymph nodes). People with severe cases of EEE or WNV usually have a sudden onset of headache, high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, altered mental status, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or coma. 

Individuals under 15, over 50, and those with chronic illness or compromised immune systems are at most risk for severe infection. Clinton County residents are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, especially during mosquito season, which extends through November. 

Take the following steps to protect yourself: 

• When outside, when mosquitoes are present and active, cover your skin as completely as possible. Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks. 

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535 and follow label directions. Do not apply repellent directly on children; instead, apply it to your own hands and then rub it onto your child. Avoid applying repellent to your face, and wash your skin and clothing thoroughly after coming indoors. 

“Working Together for a Healthier Community” – 2 – 

• Make sure there are screens in your home’s windows and doors. Make sure the screens are free of rips, tears and holes. 

• Eliminate all standing water on or around your home and property where mosquitoes can breed. 

Make sure your roof gutters drain correctly and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall. Remove or turn over any items that may hold stagnant water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Clear vegetation and waste from the edge of ponds. 

“In response to this public health concern, we have collaborated with the Clinton County Soil & Water Conservation District to offer free mosquito dunks to county residents,” added Ms. Louis. 

These mosquito dunks effectively control mosquito populations by preventing mosquito larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes. They are non-chemical and effective against blackfly larvae, making them safe for use in backyard ponds, fountains, and other water features where fish, frogs, tadpoles, and other aquatic life reside. 

Mosquito dunks will be available for distribution at the following locations and times: 

Clinton County Health Department 

133 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh 

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Clinton County Soil & Water Conservation District 

6064 Route 22, Suite 1, Plattsburgh 

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

They are free for all Clinton County residents on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. 

For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, please call CCHD at 518-565-4848 or visit: 

CCHD North Country Health Effect: 

https://health.clintoncountyny.gov/nc_healtheffect/Mosquitoes.pdf 

New York State Department of Health’s website: 

https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/ 

Center for Disease Control website: 

https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/about-mosquito-bites.html 

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website: 

https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/archive/tag/mosquitoes