West Nile Virus Found In Mosquitoes In 5 Suffolk Areas, Including Historic Colonial Estate

MASTIC BEACH, NY — A mosquito sample from the William Floyd Estate in Mastic Beach collected on July 25 — one of five that day in Suffolk County — tested positive for the West Nile Virus, authorities said Thursday.

The mosquitoes were collected in a trap 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 County 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.

This will include increased surveillance at the estate, according to officials.

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, officials said.

The National Park Service is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation, Suffolk County, including its Vector Control, and local Fire Island and Long Island municipalities to determine the best course of action to protect residents, visitors, and employees of the seashore.

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

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, such as long-sleeved shirts, socks, and long pants, and to 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.
If you have information or questions for the park, please contact FIIS_information@nps.gov.