The potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) remains a concern in St. Lawrence County, so the county is handing out free mosquito larvicide packets.

The packets contain a locally produced larvicide that can be used to treat standing water, including small pools, bird baths, livestock watering troughs, rain barrels, and ornamental ponds. They are available to homeowners through a partnership with the St. Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District. The treatments are funded with a state grant obtained by Senator Ritchie.

The packets are one part of a plan to beef up the state and local response to EEE. Other parts of the plan are better coordination among officials in the region, and increased state funding for education and prevention.

Although the EEE virus is rare, it is one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases.

EEE is a mosquito-borne virus that affects horses and other livestock, and rarely occurs in humans, but can be serious when it does. Five human deaths in New York since 1971 all have occurred in Oswego and Onondaga counties, while dozens of horses have succumbed in the six counties -- Jefferson, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego and St. Lawrence – that are included in the larvicide program.

About one-third of people infected with the virus die. Most survivors suffer significant brain damage. An Oswego County resident died of EEE in August 2011.

The disease was found in a horse that was put down in Massena in 2011, and in a horse in Morristown that died of the disease in 2012.

Homeowners are eligible to receive one free packet of larvicide treatment, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis through the Soil and Water Conservation District, 1942 Old DeKalb Road, Canton, phone 386-3582.

The larvicide treatments act to kill mosquitoes before they develop to their biting stage. Homeowners are strongly advised to read the label directions before use.

Public health officials say the best way to protect yourself is to keep mosquitoes from biting you.

The county Department of Health recommends that individuals protect themselves when outdoors by using an effective mosquito repellent and wearing long pants and long sleeves. The department recommends applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Other tips include:

• repair or replace broken screens in doors and windows.

• empty pails, swimming pool covers, flower pots and other containers of standing water around the home and yard to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

• change water in water troughs at least twice a week to discourage mosquito breeding.

• dispose of used tires, tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers in which water collects.

• drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors. Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.

• turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use, and change the water in bird baths twice a week.

• clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.

There is no specific treatment for EEE. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, and no effective anti-viral drugs have been discovered for the treatment of EEE. There is no human vaccine for EEE.

EEE virus vaccine is available for horses. Public Health recommends that, in consultation with a veterinarian, owners vaccinate their horses against this virus.