Town Of Smithtown: Health Officials Report Two Mosquito Samples Have Tested Positive For West Nile Virus

Press release from the Town of Smithtown:

July 16, 2021

Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott announced today that two mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. The samples, both Culex pipiens-restuans, were collected on July 6 from Nesconset and July 8 from Northport. These are the first mosquito samples to test positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk County this year.    West Nile virus, first detected in birds and mosquito samples in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year thereafter is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.    Most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, but some can develop severe symptoms including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. The symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. Individuals, especially those 50 years of age or older, or those with compromised immune systems, who are most at risk, are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.     “The confirmation of West Nile virus in mosquito samples indicates the presence of West Nile virus in the area,” said Dr. Pigott. “While there is no cause for alarm, we advise residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce exposure to West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.”    Dr. Pigott offers the following tips to avoid mosquito bites:   Dead birds  may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds, call the Bureau of Public Health Protection at 631-852-5999 from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents are encouraged to take a photograph of any bird in question.  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 West Nile virus, visit the Department of Health Services’ website.

This press release was produced by the Town of Smithtown. The views expressed here are the author’s own.