Suffolk County Reports a Death Associated with West Nile Virus

Hauppauge, NY – Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services James L. Tomarken, MD, MSW, MPH, MBA, FRCPC, FACP, reported that the New York State laboratory confirmed today that an adult who died last week has tested positive for West Nile virus.

The individual, who was under the age of 55, began having symptoms associated with West Nile virus — including fever, lethargy, and mental status changes — on September 2, 2010. The individual, who had an underlying medical condition, was hospitalized and died on September 23. The individual was from the Town of Brookhaven.

Dr. Tomarken extends his condolences to the individual’s family.

The New York State laboratory also confirmed two additional cases of West Nile virus:

An adult from Town of Babylon who is under the age of 55 began experiencing a rash, body aches, headaches, chills/sweats, photosensitivity and leg cramps on August 7th. The person was never hospitalized and is recovering at home.

Another individual, who is from the Town of Islip and over the age of 55, began experiencing fever, seizures, altered mental status and muscle weakness on September 13th. The individual, who has an underlying medical condition, is currently being cared for in the hospital.

The total number of human West Nile virus cases in Suffolk County to date this year is eleven – seven from the Town of Babylon, two from the Town of Huntington, one from Brookhaven and one from Islip. Of the eleven cases, there has been one death. There have been a total of five deaths associated with West Nile virus in the county since the virus was first detected in 1999: two in 2002, two in 2003 and this new case in 2010. 

Dr. Tomarken reminded residents that mosquito season extends from June 1 through November 1. “We ask residents to continue to take precautions to avoid being bitten,” he said. “We also ask them to visit their doctors promptly if they experience fever, headache or body aches for unknown reasons.” 

Dr. Tomarken said it was important for residents to reduce mosquito breeding in areas around their homes and property to prevent the transmission of West Nile virus to people. After each rainfall, remember to eliminate standing water in flower pots, clogged gutters, recycle bins, birdbaths, swimming pool and hot tub covers.  Using insect repellants, avoiding the hours from dusk to dawn (when most mosquitoes are active), and wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoor activity between dusk and dawn is unavoidable, are also steps everyone can take to stay healthy this summer.

West Nile virus can cause serious illness and in some cases, death. It is estimated that 20 percent of those who become infected will develop clinically noticeable symptoms of West Nile virus disease. Mild symptoms include fever, headache and body aches, and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands.  Symptoms of severe infection (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis) include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, stupor and disorientation.

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

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/departments/healthservices.aspx .

Suffolk Opens Emergency Operations Center

 Precautionary Measure for High Surf Advisory, Flood and Wind Watches Issue by National Weather Service

Yaphank, NY – Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy announced today that the county opened its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Yaphank at 9 a.m. in preparation for flood and high-wind watches, following a high surf advisory issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for most of Suffolk County.

The EOC coordinates the county’s disaster response system and consists of workstations for representatives from the county, towns, villages, utilities and emergency responders.

“Though this is not a hurricane, these types of storms have the potential to create a great amount of damage—so we want to be prepared,” said Levy. “Cooperative planning among local, state and federal officials, along with proper public education, are crucial to mitigating the potential impact of any storm. Opening our state-of-the-art EOC further enhances Suffolk’s ability to monitor storm developments and rapidly communicate crucial public safety information to the media and public at large.”

Up-to-the-minute weather briefings are tracking a low pressure system along the coast that is expected to collide with a strong, high-pressure system that remains anchored over much of the north Atlantic.  The two systems are anticipated to create a corridor of strong, southerly winds in the area that may yield very heavy rain and strong winds this afternoon and into tonight.  Rainfall totals of 2 to 6 inches are possible where the heaviest bands set up, which will result in sharp rises of fast-responding rivers and streams and may lead to flooding.  Gusts of 45 to 55 MPH with the potential for more damaging wind gusts of up to 60 MPH at the peak of the storm are forecast.

Residents are also reminded to monitor their Local Primary Emergency Alert Systems such as WALK 97.5, which has teamed with Suffolk County in building a state-of-the-art broadcast facility at Suffolk’s EOC command center. The facility will further enhance the county’s ability to rapidly relay important public safety information over WALK’s airwaves.

Additionally, Levy urged Suffolk residents to sign up for the new Code RED emergency notification method. This high-speed telephone communication service delivers customized, pre-recorded emergency messages directly to Suffolk County homes and businesses at a capacity of up to millions of calls per day. Code RED generates telephone, e-mail and text messaging notices to subscribers. The 7,000 residents who already signed up for the service within just a few short weeks received the following message today:

“This message is from Suffolk County Fire Rescue - Suffolk County Residents should prepare for heavy rain and winds Thursday through Friday.  Starting late tonight narrow bands of heavy rain will develop, with the potential for rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour.  Rain will continue Thursday into Friday with storm totals of approximately 3.5 inches of rain in areas of Suffolk County.  This coupled with sustained winds of 25-35 mph with gusts of 50-60 mph will result in the possibility of urban flooding, downed trees and power outages.  Residents should prepare for this storm securing all loose objects outside that may be blown around by wind.  Should you experience a power outage contact LIPA at 1-800-490-0075 or 631-755-6900.  Weather conditions can change at any time and this storm should be monitored closely.  Please remember that 911 should only be used for “True” emergencies.  Please stay tuned to local television and radio stations for further weather updates.”

To sign up to receive these “Code RED” messages, access the following link: Code RED.

Individuals who do not have Internet access may call the Office of Emergency Management’s Customer Service Center at 631-852-4900, from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., to receive Code RED information over the phone.

Levy reminded residents to dial 911 for life-threatening emergencies only. Residents with non-emergency situations can call the Suffolk Police Department’s non-emergency number, 852-COPS (852-2677) or the Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services line at 852-4900.

One Dead - SCPD Investigating MV Accident

Update - Police have identified Veronica Omerza, 80, of 2 Janet Lane, Commack, as the woman killed in the three-car motor vehicle crash in Smithtown . 

Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a 80-year-old Commack woman in Smithtown today.  

Collin Smith, 22, was driving a 2003 Ford Econoline van eastbound on Jericho Turnpike, 1000 feet west of Meadow Road, when he lost control of the vehicle, crossed over the yellow dividing line and struck two vehicles that were traveling westbound on Jericho Turnpike at 4:54 p.m.  

Smith, of 629 Landing Road, Kings Park, first struck a 1999 Mercury driven by the 80-year-old woman and then hit a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Penelope Kouklakis, 38.  

The 80-year-old woman, whose identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was transported to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown where she was pronounced dead at 5:53 p.m.   A 90-year-old female passenger in her car was transported to Stony Brook University Medical Center where she was treated for non-life threatening injuries.   Kouklakis, of 33 Eastover Drive, East Northport, was also transported to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.    

All three vehicles were impounded for safety checks and the investigation is continuing.   Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8452 or call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

In Kings Park- Take A Hike Or Bike

By Erica Jackson

 

Architect Mark Mancini with Hike and Bike rendering (photo F. Mercuri)An abandoned rail spur that once carried coal and supplies to the long shutdown Kings Park Psychiatric Center will soon be transformed into a hike and bike trail for the community.  Recently, the Kings Park Civic Association was granted $17,500 in funding from Suffolk County to improve the spur as an economic development project.

 

According to Sean Lehmann, president of the Kings Park Civic Association, the funds came in the form of a ten percent matching grant with the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation providing the matching $2,500.

 

The trail, said Lehmann will begin at the Kings Park municipal parking lot and run along the spur, connecting to an existing trail that ends at the Nissequogue River State Park.  “We are hoping the trail will connect the park to the business area and more residents will use it,” said Lehmann.

 

Most importantly, Lehmann says it is hoped that the trail will drum up business for the Kings Park business district by motivating community members to grab a bite to eat at one of Kings Park’s local eateries and then meander through the new trail or visa versa.

 

Mike Rosato, head of the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation, agreed: “The importance of this hike and bike trail is that it will help benefit the downtown district. It will connect the two most important assets of the Kings Park Community — the Nissequogue River State Park and downtown.”John Kowalchyk addresses NRSP Foundation (photo F. Mercuri)

 

Aside from the possible economic benefits to downtown businesses, Legislator Lynne Nowick, who helped procure the funding said, “With so many people trying to be more active by walking and bicycling to improve their health, having an expanded Hike and Bike trail will offer more opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy some fantastic scenery and pastoral settings.  By bringing more people to the trail, we can encourage more people to visit the Nissequogue State Park and spend time outdoors exercising and experiencing the natural beauty of this area.”

 

With the money in hand, Lehmann said architectural plans for the trail are already in the works.  Smithtown architect Mark Mancini volunteered to draw up some renderings for the trail. His vision for the trail includes an archway that will welcome community members to the trail.  “I want to give it a grand appearance,” said Mancini. The trail will also feature benches and historical signs that will be donated by the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce.

 

The construction of the trail, including the clearing of debris and the addition of buffers that will separate nearby residences from the trail is expected to be performed by Town of Smithtown employees. The town, says Lehmann, has been charged with overseeing the disbursement of the grant funding.

 

Work cannot start; however, said Lehmann until the State of New York, which has ownership of the old rail spur, grants an easement to the Town of Smithtown for the path.  That easement is expected to be approved in the near future, said Lehmann.

It is hoped that the trail will be ready for use by community members by next summer or spring.

 

Once complete, Rosato said his organization will begin working on the next leg of the trail, which he intends to run the entire perimeter of the Nissequogue River State Park. That project, however, he said won’t be coming to fruition any time soon. Rosato says it will depend on the completion of a Master Plan for the Nissequogue River State park, which has been put on hold by the state pending budgetary issues.

 

Commissioner Carol Ash - Resigns Position

Governor David A. Paterson announced that Carol Ash will resign her position as Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) effective October 13.

“Over the past four years Commissioner Ash has led her agency with dedication, integrity and professionalism,” Governor Paterson said. “Despite these extraordinarily challenging times, the Commissioner presided the over construction and opening of the remarkable Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, a very successful U.S. Open Golf Championship at Bethpage State Park and initiated an effort to rebuild and restore the agency’s aging infrastructure.”

During Commissioner Ash’s term more than $200 million was invested in roadways, bathhouses, historic structures and electrical and plumbing systems. She promoted public-private partnerships and encouraged strong relationships with Friends Groups and non-for-profits. She also saw visitation rates climb, as more than 56 million people were welcomed at the State’s 178 parks and 35 historic sites in 2009.

Commissioner Carol Ash said: “I offer my sincere thanks to Governor Paterson for the opportunity to serve the people of New York. I am also deeply honored to have had the privilege to lead a dedicated and resourceful workforce. Even in these trying times, their commitment to our parks and historic sites has resulted in better experiences for millions of park patrons and I am proud of their collective efforts. Our State is home to the finest State park system in the country. Our wonderful natural, recreational and historic treasures continue to be a source of great enjoyment, pride and economic activity throughout the State. The opportunity to lead this agency was among the greatest professional experiences of my life.”

Governor Paterson appointed Andy Beers to the position of Acting Commissioner. Mr. Beers has served as OPRHP Executive Deputy Commissioner since 2007. He has been responsible for the day-to-day operations of the agency, as well as overseeing the continuing efforts to revitalize the State parks system. Prior to serving as Executive Deputy Commissioner, Beers served as Deputy State Director at the Nature Conservancy. He received his B.A. from Colgate University and his M.S. from Cornell University.