3 More Mosquito Samples In Suffolk Test Positive For West Nile

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY - Three additional mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile in Suffolk County — bringing the total to 77 for the season, Suffolk health officials announced on Friday.

The samples, all of the Culex pipiens-restuans species, were collected on September 25 in Lindenhurst, West Babylon and Mattituck.

There were no new mosquito samples that tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) this week.

In addition to the 77 mosquito samples that have tested positive for West Nile virus, a total of seven tested positive for EEE virus this year and two human cases of West Nile virus were reported last month.

No human or horses tested positive for the EEE virus this year in Suffolk.

West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

West Nile virus may cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe including fever, headache, vomiting, muscle aches, joint pain, and fatigue.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. Patients are treated with supportive therapy as needed.

"The confirmation of West Nile virus in mosquito samples indicates the presence of West Nile virus in the area," Suffolk Health Commissioner Dr. James Tomarken said. "While there is no cause for alarm, we advise residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce their exposure to the virus, which can be debilitating to humans."

Residents, especially those over 50-year-old or those with compromised immune systems, are advised to take precautions when outdoors and use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents.

In addition, residents should 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.