EEE Found In Mosquitoes In Manorville

CALVERTON, NY — Two additional mosquito samples tested positive for the Eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, virus in the region. The New York State Department of Health informed Suffolk County health officials about the mosquito samples of Culiseta melanura species that were collected in the Manorville area Oct. 1, officials said.

No new mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, officials said.

To date this season, Suffolk County has reported 77 mosquito samples that have tested positive for West Nile virus and nine that have tested positive for EEE. On September 17, Suffolk County reported two human cases of West Nile virus. Suffolk County has had no human cases of EEE. No horses have tested positive for EEE or West Nile virus in Suffolk County this year, officials said.

Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Though EEE is rare, it is a potentially deadly illness for humans. The disease is also a concern for horses, though a vaccine is available and recommended for horses.

“We don’t want people to be alarmed but rather informed,” said Dr. Tomarken. “We will be treating the Manorville area for mosquitoes this weekend, and we encourage residents to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.”

In Massachusetts, three people have died of EEE in recent weeks.

Individuals, especially those aged 50 or over or those with compromised immune systems are urged to take precautions when outdoors. Residents are advised to use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women, health officials said. Additionally, avoid going outside from dusk to dawn when most mosquitoes are active, wear long sleeves and long pants when night-time activity is unavoidable, eliminate standing water from flowerpots, clogged gutters, recycle bins, birdbaths, toys, and swimming pool and hot tub covers.

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

For further information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Department of Health Services’ website.

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

For further information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Department of Health Services’ website here.

Weather permitting, the Suffolk County Department of Public Works will treat sections of Manorville and Calverton by truck ULV in order to control the breeding of adult mosquitoes. The treatments are in response to the confirmation of mosquito samples that tested positive for the EEE virus.

The application will take place on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; if weather cancels treatment, the spray will be rescheduled.

The area targeted will be Manorville and Calverton, from River Road at the Swan Lake Golf Course, north to Grumman Blvd. and east to Mill Road and south to the Long Island Expressway-495. All streets in the communities will be treated with ground spraying of ultra low volume aerosol anvil, or sumithrin.

For current and future notices and/or further information about mosquito control, see these resources:

• Suffolk County Division of Vector Control: 631-852-4270
• Spraying Information Hotline: 631-852-4939
• For Spray Notices, click here.
• If you are not sure that your landline phone is included in the CodeRED system or to receive notifications via cell phone, text messaging or e-mail, click here.

Although chances of experiencing any health effects from spraying are quite low, the following common-sense steps will help to reduce possible exposure to pesticides before, during or after spraying.

Steps to take: Children and pregnant women should take care to avoid exposure when practical. If possible, remain inside or avoid the area whenever spraying takes place and for about 30 minutes after spraying. Close windows and doors and close the vents of window air-conditioning units to circulate indoor air or, before spraying begins, turn them off. Windows and air-conditioning vents can be reopened about 30 minutes after spraying. If you come in direct contact with pesticide spray, protect your eyes. If you get pesticide spray in your eyes, immediately rinse them with water. Wash exposed skin. Wash clothes that come in direct contact with spray separately from other laundry. Consult your health care provider if you think you are experiencing health effects from sraying.

Steps you may want to take: The materials used by vector control do not leave significant residues on surfaces, but exposure can be reduced even further. Pick homegrown fruits and vegetables you expect to eat soon before spraying takes place. Rinse homegrown fruits and vegetables (in fact all produce) thoroughly with water before cooking or eating. Bring laundry and small toys inside before spraying begins. (Wash with detergent and water if exposed to pesticides during spraying.) Bring pet food and water dishes inside, and cover ornamental fishponds during the spray period to avoid direct exposure.

If you have questions about Eastern equine encephalitis, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Public Health Hotline: 631-787-2200.