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A pediatrician and researcher at Penn State Health in Hershey, Pa., found an A pediatrician and researcher at Penn State Health in Hershey, Pa., found an increased incidence of autism and developmental delays in children increased incidence of autism and developmental delays in children who live within a two-mile radius of the Cicero Swamp. That's an area of Onondaga County with a high concentration of mosquitos that undergoes aerial pesticide spraying to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis. Steven Hicks, MD, PhD, a graduate of Upstate, said his who live within a two-mile radius of the Cicero Swamp. That's an area of Onondaga County with a high concentration of mosquitos that undergoes aerial pesticide spraying to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis. Steven Hicks, MD, PhD, a graduate of Upstate, said his findings showed a small but statistically significant increas findings showed a small but statistically significant increas e but should not be cause for alarm and encourages families to follow safety precautions during spraying. He says additional study would be warranted to learn more about whether pesticides are to blame for the higher rates of autism. e but should not be cause for alarm and encourages families to follow safety precautions during spraying. He says additional study would be warranted to learn more about whether pesticides are to blame for the higher rates of autism.