Suffolk County Activates West Nile Hotline

Suffolk County health officials have announced the activation of the West Nile hotline as part of a continuing effort to detect and prevent the spread of in the county. The virus infects birds and is spread to humans by that feed on infected birds and then humans.

According to the statement the county released June 17, residents are encouraged to report sightings of dead birds, such as crows, blue jays and hawks, that may have been infected with the virus to the Department of Health Services’ Public Health Hotline at 631-787-2200, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Birds that meet the DHS’ criteria will be picked up between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Accepted bird specimens are tested for the presence of the virus in the bird population.

If a reported bird is not needed for testing or discovered on a weekend, callers will be advised to double-bag the dead bird using a shovel and gloves, and dispose of it in the trash.

In the same statement, James L. Tomarken, MD, MSW, MPH, MBA, FRCPC, FACP, Commissioner of Health Services, urged residents to cooperate with the county in its efforts to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus, which can be debilitating to humans.

“Although most people experience no symptoms from West Nile Virus,” Dr. Tomarken cautioned, "some people will 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 reduce the mosquito population around homes, residents should eliminate stagnant water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs. This includes:

• Disposing cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
• Removing discarded tires on the property.
• Ensuring roof gutters drain properly, and cleaning clogged gutters.
• Turning over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Changing the water in birdbaths.
• Cleaning vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds, and keeping shrubs and grass trimmed.
• Cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
• Draining water from pool covers.

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.

To report dead birds, again, call the hotline 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 , call 631-853-3055.

For further information on , visit the DHS website.