Health & Fitness
West Nile Virus Found In Mosquitoes In Suffolk County
6 samples collected in Bay Shore, Lindenhurst, West Islip and Northport were among 10 that tested positive, health officials say.
SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Mosquito samples collected in Bay Shore, Lindenhurst, West Islip and Northport have tested positive for West Nile virus, Suffolk County health officials said.
The six samples included one from Bay Shore, two from Lindenhurst, one from West Islip and two from Northport, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.
Four additional positive samples were collected in Riverhead, Port Jefferson Station, Mastic Beach and Southold.
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Nine of the 10 samples were identified as Culex pipiens-restuans mosquitoes. The Southold sample was identified as Aedes taeniorhynchus.
A total of 22 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk County this season. Three samples have also tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus.
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Two dead crows found in Ronkonkoma on June 24 also tested positive for West Nile virus, officials said.
No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Suffolk County this year.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who become infected experience mild or no symptoms, but some may develop serious symptoms including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness, vision loss, paralysis or death.
People 50 and older and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness and are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites.
Residents can reduce their risk by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when mosquitoes are active and eliminating standing water around their homes.
Dead birds may indicate the presence of West Nile virus. Suffolk County residents can report a dead bird by calling the county’s 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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