Dead Fire Island Crow Tests Positive For West Nile Virus: NPS

FIRE ISLAND, NY – A dead crow found on Fire Island tested positive for West Nile Virus, the National Park Service announced.

The bird was found on Blue Point Beach on Aug. 31, as biologists were conducting a routine monitoring in the maritime forest.

It was sent it to the lab for testing, which showed that the crow tested positive for West Nile Virus, the service said.

For the 2023 season, all mosquitos collected on Fire Island have tested negative for West Nile Virus.

To date this year, 69 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus and one sample tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus, said Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott.

Last week, two cases of West Nile virus in Suffolk County, which are the first ones to be reported this season.

The Fire Island Seashore, along with Suffolk County, will continue its weekly surveillance program to monitor the severity and extent of the virus.

Due to the recent discovery of the crow and per the Seashore’s Mosquito Monitoring Protocols, there will be increased surveillance at numerous sites on Fire Island.

If threats to human health are identified, actions to protect the public may need to include control methods such as larviciding, spraying, or area closures.

The public will be notified 24 hours in advance of any spray event.

If you find a dead bird specifically a crow, a raven, a blue jay, an American robin, or a raptor (osprey, eagle, hawk, vulture, or falcon) please call Suffolk County Department of Health
Services – Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory at (631) 852-5255.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Visitors
should take precautions to reduce exposure to the virus by avoiding areas with high densities of
mosquitoes. If contact with mosquitoes is unavoidable, it is advisable to minimize outdoor
activities when mosquitoes are active, wear protective clothing (long sleeved shirts, socks, and
long pants) and use effective insect repellent, such as one containing at least 30 percent. DEET.

People most at risk of becoming ill are those over 60 years of age or whose health is impaired.