More West Nile-Positive Mosquitoes Found Across Suffolk County

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Seven additional mosquito samples collected across Suffolk County have tested positive for West Nile virus, health officials said.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services said the samples, all Culex pipiens-restuans mosquitoes, were collected Sept. 1 in Melville, West Islip, Islip, Fire Island Pines, Shelter Island and Cold Spring Harbor.

Officials said two positive samples were collected in Melville, while one was collected in each of the other communities.

So far this season, 127 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk County, while three have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus.

West Nile virus has also been detected in three dead birds this year, according to the county. Two crows found June 24 in Ronkonkoma and a blue jay found Aug. 5 in Nesconset tested positive.

Two adult Suffolk County residents — one from the Town of Brookhaven and one from the Town of Islip — have also tested positive for West Nile virus, officials said.

West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who become infected experience mild or no symptoms, but some can develop serious illness, including headache, neck stiffness, vision loss, high fever, confusion, muscle weakness and paralysis. In some cases, the virus can be fatal.

Health officials urged residents to take precautions against mosquito bites, particularly people 50 and older and those with compromised 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 contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Bureau of Public Health Protection at 631-852-5999 between 9 a.m. and 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.