West Nile Virus Cases In Mosquitoes Climb Across Suffolk

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Mosquito samples collected in 11 communities across the Towns of Huntington, Babylon, Smithtown and Islip were among 31 additional Suffolk County samples that tested positive for West Nile virus, health officials said.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services said positive samples were found in Cold Spring Harbor, Northport, Greenlawn, Dix Hills, Melville, Bay Shore, West Islip, Islip, Lindenhurst, Smithtown and Sayville.

Countywide, the latest round of testing also found positive samples in Riverhead, Aquebogue, Southold, Bridgehampton, Setauket, Farmingville, Mount Sinai, Rocky Point, North Patchogue and Mastic Beach.

The new results bring Suffolk County's total to 85 mosquito samples that have tested positive for West Nile virus this season. Three mosquito samples have also tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus, according to health officials.

Three dead crows have previously tested positive for West Nile virus — two found June 24 in Ronkonkoma and one found Aug. 5 in Nesconset.

One adult who lives in the Town of Brookhaven has also tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the county.

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 the virus can cause more serious illness including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, confusion, vision loss, muscle weakness and paralysis. In some cases, the infection can be fatal.

Health officials urged residents, particularly people 50 and older and those with compromised immune systems, to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

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 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The county encourages residents to submit a photograph of the bird.

Mosquito problems can be reported to the Suffolk County Department of Public Works Division of Vector Control at 631-852-4270.