More Mosquito Samples Test Positive for West Nile Virus

                     9/16/14

               More Mosquito Samples Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Suffolk County Health Commissioner James L. Tomarken, MD, MPH, MBA, MSW, announced today that 28 more mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. The samples, all Culex pipiens-restuans, were collected between September 3^rd and September 5^th.  On September 3^rd, from Bay Shore (4).  On September 4^th,  from West Babylon (4), Lindenhurst (2),  Huntington Station (2), Northport (1), Dix Hills (1), Deer Park (1), Copiague (3), Holbrook (1), Patchogue (1),North Babylon (3), and East Northport (2). On September 5^th, Selden (1), East Setauket (1) and Shelter Island (1).

To date this year, 165 mosquito samples and 11 birds have tested positive for West Nile virus. No humans or horses have tested positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk County this year.

West Nile 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.

“The confirmation of West Nile virus in mosquito samples or birds indicates the presence of West Nile virus in the area,” said Dr. Tomarken. “While there is no cause for alarm, we urge residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce the exposure to the virus, which can be debilitating to humans.

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. The 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 

Dead birds found on area properties may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area.

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 631-854-0333.
For further information on West Nile virus, visit the Department of Health Services’ website at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health.

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