Mosquito samples taken in Southold, Jamesport and Aquebogue tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the Suffolk County Health Department. The samples — collected between Aug. 13 and Aug. 19 — were among 18 to test positive across Suffolk County. READ
Tag: West Nile
TIM KELLY PHOTO | West Nile Virus was found in two samples of Culex pipiens-restuans.
Suffolk County health officials announced Friday that 29 more mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus, including one in Mattituck.
Positive samples, collected on July 30 and July 31, also came from mosquito traps in Yaphank, Mastic Beach and other points in western Suffolk County.
Health officials do not disclose exactly where the traps are located.
To date this year, 69 mosquito samples and four birds have tested positive for West Nile. No humans or horses have tested positive this year, officials said.
The health department stops testing mosquito samples and dead birds for West Nile on Aug. 31.
“The New York State Parks Department has been notified and has been advised to restrict activities to daytime hours between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.,” a health department release reads.
Residents can reduce the mosquito population around their homes by eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, officials said
For medical questions related to West Nile virus, call (631) 854-0333 during normal business hours.
To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call vector control at (631) 852-4270.
TIM KELLY PHOTO | West Nile Virus was found in two samples of Culex pipiens-restuans.
Suffolk County health officials announced Monday that 12 mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus, including two in Aquebogue.
Positive samples, collected between July 16 and July 17 and all of Culex pipiens-restuans, also came from mosquito traps in Huntington, Greenlawn, Northport, East Northport, Nesconset, Holtsville, Selden and Farmingville.
Health officials do not disclose exactly where the traps are located.
To date, 16 mosquito samples and two birds have tested positive for the virus. No humans or horses have tested positive for the virus in Suffolk County this year, officials said.
“The confirmation of West Nile virus in a mosquito pool indicates that the virus is actively circulating within the mosquito population,” said James Tomarken, the Suffolk County Health and Human Services commissioner. “While there is no cause for alarm, we urge residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to contain the spread of the virus, which can be debilitating to humans.”
Residents can reduce the mosquito population around their homes by eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, officials said.
Dead birds found on area properties may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds, call the West Nile virus hotline in Suffolk County at (631) 787-2200 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For medical questions related to West Nile virus, call (631) 854-0333.
To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call vector control at (631) 852-4270.
For further information on mosquitos and mosquito-borne diseases, visit the Department of Health Services website and look under “Seasonal Trends.”
To help detect and prevent the spread of the West Nile virus, an infection transmitted by mosquitos, the county Department of Health Services has issued healthcare tips and activated a public health hotline.
West Nile virus is spread to humans by mosquitoes that have fed on birds infected with the virus.
Residents who see dead birds, such as crows, blue jays and hawks that may have been infected are encouraged to report sightings to the Department of Health Services’ public health hotline at 631-787-2200 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The hotline will be active until Labor Day.
Birds meeting department criteria will be picked up between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to be tested for the virus. Humans cannot catch West Nile virus directly from birds, according to a county press release.
Residents are also advised to eliminate areas of stagnant water around their homes. To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, residents can call the Department of Public Works Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.
“Most people experience no symptoms from West Nile virus, however, some people will develop severe symptoms,” said Dr. James Tomarken, commissioner of Health Services.
Symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis, he said.
“The symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent,” Dr. Tomarken said.
To reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes, residents are advised to use mosquito repellent when outdoors and ensure windows and doors to homes have screens, keeping mosquitoes out.
For further information on mosquitos and mosquito-borne diseases, visit the Department of Health Services website and look under “Seasonal Trends.”