SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Four additional mosquito samples collected in Suffolk County have tested positive for West Nile virus, bringing the season total to 143, health officials said.
The positive Culex pipiens-restuans samples were collected between Sept. 15 and Sept. 17 in Melville, West Babylon, Lindenhurst and Manorville, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.
So far this season, 143 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, while three have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus, officials said. Nine mosquitoes have also tested positive for Potosi virus since Sept. 1.
Two dead crows and one dead blue jay have previously tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the county.
Four people in Suffolk County have tested positive for West Nile virus this season.
West Nile virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who become infected experience mild or no symptoms, but the virus can cause serious illness in some cases.
Symptoms can include headache, neck stiffness, vision loss, high fever, confusion, muscle weakness and paralysis. In severe cases, the infection can be fatal.
Health officials urged residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, particularly people 50 and older and those with weakened immune systems.
Dead birds can be an indication that West Nile virus is circulating in an area. Residents who find a dead bird on their property can report it to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Bureau of Public Health Protection at 631-852-5999 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Officials encourage residents to submit a photo of the bird.
Mosquito problems can be reported to the Suffolk County Department of Public Works Division of Vector Control at 631-852-4270.
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