Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County Health Commissioner, announced that nine mosquito samples tested positive for the western Nile virus in this area of Long Island, NY.
The samples were collected in Melville (1), Sayville (1), Selden (1), Northport (1), Copague (1), Aquebogue (1) and Shelter Island (1). The samples, from Culex Pipiens-restuans, were collected on September 9 and 10, 2025. A sample was collected on September 2 in Greenlawn (1). A Culex Salinarius sample was collected in Patchogue (1) on September 3, 2025.
To date, 138 mosquito samples have tested positive for the western Nile virus, and 4 mosquito samples have tested positive for the Jamestown cannon virus. A bird has tested positive for the western Nile virus this season. And 3 humans have tested positive for the virus this year.
The western Nile virus, first detected in samples of birds and mosquitoes in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year since then, is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Suffolk reported 21 human cases of western Nile viruses in 2024 and 5 in 2023.
It should be noted that 9 people have died because of the western Nile virus since 2000. You can find more information on the website: https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/departments/health-services/public-health/preventive-services/arthropod-borne-disese/mosquitoes.
Most people infected with the western Nile virus have mild or null symptoms, but some can develop serious symptoms, such as high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, muscle weakness, loss of vision, numbness and paralysis. Symptoms can last several weeks and neurological effects can be permanent.
People are urged, especially those over 50 years old who have the weakened immune system, to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
“Autumn is a good time of the year to repair mosquito nets and clean the garden to reduce areas where mosquitoes can put eggs,” said Dr. Pigott. “Take precautions in doing so, since mosquitoes are still active.”
Dr. Pigott offers the following tips to avoid mosquito bites:
– Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
– Use shoes and socks, long pants and long -sleeved shirts when mosquitoes are active.
– Use mosquito repellent, carefully following the instructions on the label.
– Make sure that all windows and doors have mosquito nets and that they are in good condition.
– Prevent mosquitoes from putting eggs inside and outside their home. Once a week, empty and rub, turn, cover or discard containers containing water, such as vases, pet drinks, pots for pots, used tires, buckets, pools for swimming pools, birds for birds, garbage boats and rain barrels.
– Download a copy of the Suffolk County Information Brochure “Find out about mosquito protection”, available in English and Spanishand share it with your community.
