Mosquito Sample in East Hampton Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

A mosquito sample in East Hampton tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health

Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. James L. Tomarken announced last that 31 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus.

The mosquito samples, all Culex pipiens-restuans, were collected from September 1 through September 3 from several areas on Long Island.

So far, a total of 158 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus.

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. One human has tested positive for West Nile virus this year.

“The confirmation of West Nile virus in mosquito samples or birds indicates the presence of West Nile virus in the area,” Tomarken said. “While there is no cause for alarm, we urge residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce the exposure to the virus, which can be debilitating to humans.”

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