Fifteen Mosquito Samples Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Suffolk County Health Services (SCDHS) Commissioner James L. Tomarken announced that 15 additional mosquito samples from Suffolk County have tested positive for West Nile virus. The samples, collected between July 10th and 12th, were from locations in Huntington Station (2), Huntington (1). Nesconset (3),  Southampton (1), North Babylon (1), Lindenhurst (1),  West Babylon (4), West Islip (1), and Deer Park (1)

Previously this year, the county reported positive samples found in Dix Hills, Northport, South Huntington, Port Jefferson Station, East Setauket, Farmingville, Nesconset, Amagansett, Holbrook, West Babylon and Bay Shore.

To date this year, 30 mosquito samples — all Culex pipiens-restuans — and six birds have tested positive for the virus. There have been no human cases reported in the county this year.

West Nile virus, first detected in birds and mosquito samples in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year thereafter through 2011, is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Dr. Tomarken asks residents to reduce the mosquito population around homes, by eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.  The county offers an informative bulletin entitled “Mosquitoes and Mosquito-borne Illnesses,” which contains tips on personal protection and repellents. To download the brochure, click here.

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.

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

For medical questions related to West Nile virus, call 631-853-3055.