New Mosquito Samples Positive For EEE, West Nile Viruses

MANORVILLE, NY —New mosquito samples have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile viruses, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services said.

The New York State Department of Health informed Suffolk County health officials that one additional mosquito sample has tested positive for the EEE virus, also referred to as EEE; the mosquito sample, of Culiseta melanura species, was collected in the Manorville area on Sept. 18, a release from the county said.

An additional mosquito sample tested positive for West Nile virus, as well; the sample, of the Culex pipiens-restuans species, was collected on Sept. 17 in Dix Hills, the county said.

To date, Suffolk County has reported 74 mosquito samples that have tested positive for West Nile virus and seven that have tested positive for EEE, the county said. On Sept. 17, Suffolk County reported two human cases of West Nile virus; Suffolk County has had no human cases of EEE and ho horses have tested positive for EEE or West Nile virus in Suffolk County this year, officials said.

Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Though Eastern equine encephalitis is rare, it is a potentially deadly illness for humans. The disease is also a concern for horses, though a vaccine is available and recommended for horses, county officials said.

“We don’t want people to be alarmed but rather informed,” said Dr. Tomarken. “We will be treating the Manorville area for mosquitoes this weekend, and we encourage residents to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.”

Individuals, especially those aged 50 or over or those with compromised immune systems, are urged to take precautions when outdoors.

Residents are advised to use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Additionally, avoid going outside from dusk to dawn when most mosquitoes are active, wear long sleeves and long pants when night-time activity is unavoidable, eliminate standing water from flowerpots, clogged gutters, recycle bins, birdbaths, toys, and swimming pool and hot tub covers, the county said.

Weather permitting, the Suffolk County Department of Public Works will treat sections of Manorville and Calverton by truck ULV in order to control the breeding of adult mosquitoes. The treatments are in response to the confirmation of the mosquito sample that tested positive for the EEE virus.

The application will take place Saturday from 7 p.m. to midnight. If weather cancels treatment the spray will be rescheduled for Monday.

The locations to be sprayed include Manorville and Calverton from River Road at the Swan Lake Golf Course, north to Grumman Blvd. and east to Connecticut Avenue and south to the Long Island Railroad tracks; all streets in the communities will be included in the ground spraying of ultra low volume aerosole. The pesticide used will be anvil, or sumithrin, the county said.

For current and future notices and/or further information about mosquito control, contact:

• Suffolk County Division of Vector Control at 631-852-4270
• Spraying Information Hotline at 631-852-4939
• For spray notices, click here.
• If you are not sure that your landline phone is included in the CodeRED system or to receive notifications via cell phone, text messaging or e-mail, click here.

Although your chances of experiencing any health effects from spraying are quite low, the following common-sense steps will help to reduce possible exposure to pesticides before, during or after spraying.

Children and pregnant women should take care to avoid exposure when practical. If possible, remain inside or avoid the area whenever spraying takes place and for about 30 minutes after spraying. Close windows and doors and close the vents of window air-conditioning units to circulate indoor air or, before spraying begins, turn them off. Windows and air-conditioning vents can be reopened about 30 minutes after spraying.

If you come in direct contact with pesticide spray, protect your eyes. If you get pesticide spray in your eyes, immediately rinse them with water. Wash exposed skin. Wash clothes that come in direct contact with spray separately from other laundry. Consult your health care provider if you think you are experiencing health effects from spraying.

Steps you may want to take: The materials used by vector control do not leave significant residues on surfaces, but exposure can be reduced even further. Pick homegrown fruits and vegetables you expect to eat soon before spraying takes place. Rinse homegrown fruits and vegetables — in fact, all produce— thoroughly with water before cooking or eating. Bring laundry and small toys inside before spraying begins. Wash with detergent and water if exposed to pesticides during spraying. Bring pet food and water dishes inside, and cover ornamental fish ponds during the spray period to avoid direct exposure.

If you have questions about Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Public Health Hotline: 631-787-2200.

To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.

For further information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Department of Health Services’ website.

To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.

For further information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Department of Health Services’ website here.