5 Mosquito Samples Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Suffolk County

Five mosquito samples in Suffolk County have tested positive for West Nile virus in July, Suffolk County Health Services (SCDHS) Commissioner James L. Tomarken announced Monday.

Suffolk County has now confirmed six cases of West Nile virus in mosquitoes this year. The first case was collected in Northport on June 30.

These mosquito samples, collected on July 12 and July 13, were found in the following locations:

• Huntington Station
• Northport— two positive samples
• Holtsville
• Selden

“The confirmation of West Nile virus in mosquito samples or birds indicates the presence of West Nile virus in the area,” Tomarken said in a press release. “While there is no cause for alarm, we advise residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce the exposure to the virus, which can be debilitating to humans.”

One bird in Yaphank has tested positive for West Nile virus, according to SCDHS. No humans or horses have tested positive for the virus in Suffolk County in 2016.

West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, Tomarken says.

Severe symptoms of the virus include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.

Residents are urged to get rid of stagnant water surrounding their homes by:

• Disposing of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
• Removing all discarded tires on the property.
• Making sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters.
• Turning over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Changing the water in birdbaths.
• Cleaning vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds and keeping shrubs and grass trimmed.
• Cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
• Draining water from pool covers.

People over the age and 50 and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk. SCDHS advises these people to take the following precautions to avoid being bitten:

• Minimize time outdoors between dusk and dawn.
• Wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are more active.
• Use mosquito repellent when outdoors.
• Make sure mosquitoes cannot get in the house.

Dead birds may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report a dead bird, take a picture and call the West Nile virus hotline in Suffolk County at 631-787-2200 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

To report mosquito issues or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.

For medical questions related to West Nile virus, call 631-854-0333.

Visit the Department of Health Services website for more information on the virus.