More Lindenhurst Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile

Suffolk health officials announced Monday that eight additional mosquito samples tested positive for the West Nile Virus, including another sample in Lindenhurst.

This marks the fourth time this year mosquito samples from Lindenhurst have tested positive for the virus, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, but more spraying is unlikely (click for details).

The SCDHS first collected samples at the end of , then again in ; both with the same positive results for Lindenhurst.

The latest samples announced on September 26 were collected between August 31 and September 1 in East Northport (two), Copiague, Lindenhurst and Aquebogue and tested positive for the virus.

Three more that were collected on September 15 in Lindenhurst, Bay Shore and Copiague also tested positive.

A total of 80 mosquito samples collected by the SCDHS’ Division of Public Health this season have tested positive for the virus.

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

To date 33 birds have tested positive for West Nile in Suffolk this year, but no horses have tested positive for the virus in Suffolk this year.

While three people in Suffolk and three in Nassau in 2010 after being infected with the virus, in August one human – an adult younger than age 55 from the Town of Huntington – was reported to be infected with . That person has fully recovered, according to health officials.

“The confirmation of West Nile Virus in a mosquito pool indicates that the virus is actively circulating within the mosquito population,” said Dr. James Tomarken, commissioner of the SCDHS.

“While there’s no cause for alarm, we urge residents to with us in our to the of the virus, which can be debilitating to humans,” he added.

While the mosquito season is winding down, Dr. Tomarken still urged individuals who’re most at risk – especially those 50 years of age or older, or those with compromised immune systems – to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

According to Tomarken, most people infected with WNV will experience mild or no symptoms, but some can develop severe symptoms including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.

The symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.

To avoid mosquito bites residents are advised to:

• Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
• Wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are more active.
• Use mosquito repellent when outdoors, following label directions carefully.
• Be certain all windows and doors have screens, and that screens are in good repair.

Dead birds found on area properties might indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds call the at 631-787-2200, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to 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, call 631-853-3055.

For further information about West Nile, visit the SCDHS website.