Mosquitoes and Disease

Some species of mosquitoes can spread diseases like West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) to people and cause illness or even death. Disease is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

In New York State, mosquitoes commonly breed in standing water and most mosquito species are most active between dusk and dawn from early summer until late fall. However, others will feed at any time of day. 

Madison County Public Health conducts annual mosquito surveillance for mosquito borne disease that pose a risk to humans.  

• Click here for local mosquito surveillance results

Who is at most risk of a mosquito borne disease?

Although anyone can get sick from the bite of an infected mosquito, adults over 50 years old and children younger than 15 are more at risk of becoming severely ill from infection.

Diseases of Local Concern

Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but serious viral disease that can be spread to humans and animals from the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms can range from mild fever and headache to severe brain inflammation (encephalitis), which can lead to coma, seizures, and/or death. There are no vaccines or treatments for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. EEE does not spread from person to person. Click here to learn more about EEE.

• 1 in 3 individuals who develop EEE will die
• In the United States, approximately 5-10 EEE cases are reported annually
• Madison County is considered a high risk area for EEE in Central New York
• Click here for EEE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Jamestown Canyon Virus
Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV) is a virus that can be spread to humans and animals from the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people do not show symptoms of illness. Initial symptoms resemble a flu or a cold. In rare cases, inflammation of the brain and may lead to more severe illness and hospitalization. There are no vaccines or treatments for Jamestown Canyon Virus. JCV does not spread from person to person. Click here to learn more about JCV.

West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus (WNV) is another rare viral disease that can be spread to humans and animals from the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and in some cases, death. But, some people infected with WNV do not feel sick. WNV does not spread from person to person. There are no vaccines or treatments for West Nile Virus.  WNV does not spread from person to person. Click here to learn more about WNV.

Prevent Mosquito Bites to Protect From Mosquito-Borne Disease

There are no vaccines or treatments for EEE, JCV, or WNV. 

Reducing exposure to mosquitoes is the best defense against infection with EEE, West Nile, and other mosquito-borne diseases. There are several approaches you and your family can use to prevent and control mosquito-borne diseases.

Prevent bites:

• Wear long sleeve protective clothing.
• Apply and EPA-approved insect repellent on clothes and skin, following directions on the product.
• Mosquito-proof your home 
  • Keep mosquitoes outside by using window and door screenings. 
  • Drain standing water weekly – don’t give mosquitoes a place to breed; it only takes a little bit of water to lay their eggs. Check for possible mosquito breeding grounds like buckets, flower pots, pool covers, gutters, and bird baths. 
  • There are mosquito control products available which can be placed in bird baths and backyard ponds to control larvae and reduce mosquito populations.