Mosquito Sample Tests Positive for West Nile in Ronkonkoma

A mosquito sample tested positive for West Nile virus in Ronkonkoma Thursday, according to Suffolk County Health Services.

A total of five mosquito samples collected in Suffolk County this season have tested positive for the virus, the county said in a statement.

West Nile virus, first detected in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year thereafter, is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. No humans, horses or birds have tested positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk this year, however.

“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 Suffolk County Department of Health. “While there is no cause for alarm, we urge residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to contain the spread of the virus, which can be debilitating to humans.”

The county offered the following tips to reduce the mosquito population around homes, residents should try to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
• Remove all discarded tires on the property. 
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Change the water in birdbaths.
• Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds and keep shrubs and grass trimmed.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
• Drain water from pool covers. 

According to Dr. Tomarken, most people infected with West Nile virus 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.

To avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to, according to the county:

• 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.
• Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.

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