5 New Mosquito Samples Test Positive For West Nile As Human Cases Reach 19

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Five mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus across Suffolk County, Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said Friday.

The samples were three Culex pipiens-restuans collected between Sept. 24 to 26 from Aquebogue, Lindenhurst, and Davis Park on Fire Island. There was also one Culex Salinarius sampled collected Sept. 24 from Fire Island Pines and one Culiseta melanura was collected Sept. 27 from Manorville.

So far this season, 234 mosquito samples and five birds have tested positive for West Nile virus.

To date, 19 people have been confirmed to have been infected with West Nile virus, and one mosquito sample tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis virus.

West Nile virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites, was first detected in birds and mosquito samples in Suffolk in 1999, and again each year thereafter. The first human case of West Nile virus was confirmed in 2001, and since then, nearly 150 individuals have been confirmed to have contracted West Nile virus, and nine deaths were attributed to the virus.

“If you are heading outdoors for a walk or to do yard work, continue to take precautions to avoid being bitten,” Pigott said. “It’s also a good time to cover any holes that may have collected water and clean and repair gutters and screens.”

For more information on West Nile virus, visit the Department of Health Services’ website.