The Suffolk County Department of Health Services announces that 19 additional mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. The samples (of the species “Culex pipiens-restuans”) were collected on August 18 and 19 in the following locations:
Cold Spring Harbor (1), Fire Island Pines (3), Watch Hill on Fire Island (2), Mastic Beach (1), Aquebogue (2), West Babylon (2), Lindenhurst (2), Bay Shore (1), Bohemia (1), Sayville (1), Mount Sinai (1), Rocky Point (1), and Setauket (1).
So far this season, 104 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus and 3 samples have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus.
Previously, two dead crows found on June 24 in Ronkonkoma and one found on August 5 in Nesconset tested positive for West Nile virus. One adult resident, who lives in Brookhaven Township, also tested positive.
This virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most infected people have no symptoms or experience mild symptoms.
Some may develop symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including headache, stiff neck, loss of vision, high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis, and potentially death.
All people are urged to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. People over the age of 50 and those with compromised immune systems are especially advised to take steps to avoid such bites.
The presence of dead birds could indicate the existence of West Nile virus. To report a dead bird on your property, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Public Health Protection Office at 631-852-5999, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to submit a photo of the bird.
To report mosquito-related problems, contact the Department of Public Works Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.
For more information, visit the Suffolk Government Mosquitoes section at https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Public-Health/Preventive-Services/Arthropod-borne-Diseases/Mosquitoes
