Nineteen Mosquito Samples Test Positive for West Nile Virus

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services is announcing that 19 additional mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquito samples, Culex pipiens-restuans, were collected on August 18 and August 19 in the following locations-Cold Spring Harbor (1), Fire Island Pines (3), Watch Hill, Fire Island (2), Mastic Beach (1), Aquebogue (2), West Babylon (2), Lindenhurst (2), Bay Shore (1), Bohemia (1), Sayville (1), Mount Sinai (1), Rocky Point (1) and Setauket (1).

To date this season, 104 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, and three mosquito samples have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus. Previously, two deceased crows found on June 24 in Ronkonkoma and one found on August 5 in Nesconset tested positive for West Nile virus. One adult resident, who lives in the town of Brookhaven, tested positive.

West Nile virus 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. Individuals 50 and older, as well as those with compromised immune systems, are urged to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Deceased birds could indicate the presence of West Nile virus. To report a deceased bird on your property, contact the Suffolk County 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, visit Mosquitoes.