West Nile Virus Found In 19 Mosquito Samples In Suffolk County

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Nineteen mosquito samples have tested positive for the West Nile virus in Suffolk County, Health Commissioner Gregson Pigott said.

The samples were collected from July 31 through August 3 in Huntington Station, Dix Hills, Melville, Commack, North Babylon, West Babylon, Lindenhurst, Hauppauge, Lake Ronkonkoma, West Bay Shore, West Islip, Holbrook, Sayville, Farmingville, Port Jefferson Station, and East Hampton.

To date this year, 31 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus and one sample tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus.

A mosquito sample from the William Floyd Estate in Mastic Beach tested positive last week for the West Nile Virus, authorities said.

The mosquitoes were collected in a trap July 25 set by officials as part of its Mosquito Monitoring Program, which is a collaborative effort between the seashore and Suffolk’s Department of Health Services – Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory, according to Fire Island National Seashore officials.

Other samples collected by Suffolk in Setauket, Lindenhurst, Northport, and Greenlawn on July 25 also tested positive for West Nile, Suffolk County Department of Health officials said.
Another mosquito sample, which was collected on July 18 in Sayville, tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus, according to officials.

Fire Island National Seashore officials, along with Suffolk, will continue the weekly surveillance program to monitor the severity and extent of the virus within the boundaries of the seashore, officials said.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Residents 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 advised to minimize outdoor activities when mosquitoes are active, wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, socks, and long pants, and the use of 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.