Community Corner

Talk Back: Is West Nile Affecting Your Summer Plans?

What precautions are you taking against mosquitoes?

Suffolk County Health Services announced the finding of a in West Islip last week.

The virus, first detected in birds and mosquito samples in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year thereafter, is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.

To date this year, 30 mosquito samples and six birds have tested positive for the virus. There have been no human cases reported in the county this year.

Find out what's happening in West Islipfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Haelth officials advise residents to eliminate stagnant water on their properties, which serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

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. 

Find out what's happening in West Islipfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.

We want to know, have new West Nile samples affected your summer plans? Are you taking any special precautions to avoid mosquitoes? Answer our poll and tell us in the comments.

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