Holtsville, Nesconset Mosquito Samples Test Positive For West Nile Virus

A total of 13 new mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus across Suffolk County, according to Suffolk County Health Commissioner James Tomarken.

The samples, all Culex pipiens-restuans, were collected from Huntington Station (1), Lindenhurst (2), Copiague (2), West Islip (1), Bay Shore (2), Port Jefferson Station (2), Holtsville (1), Setauket (1), and Nesconset (1) on Aug. 9 and 10. In addition, two birds tested positive for West Nile virus.

To date, the county has confirmed 76 cases of West Nile virus in mosquitoes and eight birds. No humans or horses have tested positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk this year.

"The Suffolk County Department of Health Services monitors mosquito activity and tests for mosquito-borne diseases in order to obtain an accurate picture of the true incidence and distribution of infected mosquitoes in the county and to inform residents of the need to take precaution," Tomarken said.

West Nile virus, first detected in birds and mosquito samples in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year thereafter, is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.

According to Tomarken, most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, but some can develop severe symptoms including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.

The symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. Individuals, especially those 50 years of age or older, or those with compromised immune systems, who are most at risk, are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

To avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to:

• Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
• Wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when mosquitoes are active.
• Use mosquito repellent, following label directions carefully.
• Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.
• Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs inside and outside of your home. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out containers that hold water, such as vases, pet water bowls, flowerpot saucers, discarded tires, buckets, pool covers, birdbaths, trash cans and rain barrels.
• Download a copy of Suffolk County’s informational brochure “Get the Buzz on Mosquito Protection,” available in English and Spanish, and share it with your community.

Dead birds may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds, call the Public Health Information Line at 631-787-2200 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Residents are encouraged to take a photograph of any bird in question.

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

Patch File Photo