Hauppauge, NY – Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) Commissioner James L. Tomarken, MD, MSW, MPH, MBA, FRCPC, FACP, has been notified by the New York State Department of Health that nineteen additional mosquito samples sent to their laboratory have tested positive for West Nile virus. These samples were collected between July 21st and July 23rd in Brookhaven: (4) Selden, Farmingville; Huntington: (6) Melville, Dix Hills, Greenlawn, South Huntington; Smithtown: (3) Smithtown, Nesconset; Riverhead: (2) Jamesport, Aquebogue; Babylon: (2) West Babylon, North Babylon; and Islip: (2) West Islip, Ronkonkoma. Two of the Smithtown samples were collected in Blydenburgh County Park. To date a total of 38 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. Six birds have tested positive. There have been no human cases reported in Suffolk County this year.
To protect the public, the Department of Health Services has recommended that Blydenburgh County Park be closed from 6 pm to 8 am and all activities suspended during those hours.
West Nile virus, first detected in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year thereafter through 2010, 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.
While most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, some can develop severe symptoms including: high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. Individuals, especially those 50 years of age or older or those with compromised immune systems, who are most at risk, are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
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.
For further information on West Nile virus, visit the Department of Health Services’ website at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health.