MASTIC BEACH, NY — A Mastic Beach mosquito sample was one of seven samples across Suffolk County to test positive for the West Nile Virus, the Department of Health Services said.
Mastic Beach mosquito sample was one of seven samples across Suffolk County to test positive for the West Nile Virus, the Department of Health Services said.
It is the second sample in Mastic Beach announced this week.
The mosquito samples, which were Culex pipiens-restuans, were also collected in Northport, Melville, Dix Hills, Lindenhurst, and Bay Shore.
To date this season, 29 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, and three mosquito samples have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus.
A third dead bird, found on Aug. 5 in Nesconset, tested positive for West Nile Virus.
Previously, two dead crows found on June 24 in Ronkonkoma tested positive for the virus.
No humans have tested positive for West Nile virus this year.
It is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most infected people will experience mild or no symptoms. Some can develop mild to severe symptoms
including headache, neck stiffness, vision loss, high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis, and potentially death.
Everyone is urged to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
People 50 and older, as well as those with compromised immune systems, are urged to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Dead birds could indicate the presence of West Nile virus.
To report a dead bird on your property, contact the Department of Health Services' Bureau of Public Health
Protection at 631-852-5999 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Residents are encouraged to submit a photo of the bird. To report mosquito problems, contact the Department
of Public Works Division of Vector Control at 631-852-4270.
For more information, go to Mosquitoes.
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