The New York State Department of Health informed Suffolk County health officials that a mosquito sample has tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus, also referred to as EEE. The mosquito sample, of Culiseta melanura species, was collected in Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale, on August 28, 2024.
An additional eighteen mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, as well. The samples were collected on August 27 and 28, 2024 and were Culex Pipiens-Restuans from Northport (1), Dix Hills (2), Lindenhurst (2), West Babylon (1) and Cold Spring Harbor (1). Culex Salinarius samples were collected from Bay Shore (1) Sayville (1) as well.
The samples collected on the 28th were Culex Pipiens-Restuans and were from Fire Island (1), Watch Hill (1), Rocky Point (1), Port Jeff Sta. (1), Bay Shore (1), Oakdale (1) Setauket (2).
One Coquillettidia perturbans was collected from Nesconset(1).
To date this season, Suffolk County has reported 215 mosquito samples and 5 birds that have tested positive for West Nile virus, and one sample that has tested positive for EEE. Suffolk County has had no human cases of EEE. Seven humans have been confirmed to have been infected with West Nile virus and are recovering. No horses have tested positive for EEE or West Nile virus in Suffolk County this year.
Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Though Eastern equine encephalitis is rare, it is a potentially deadly illness for humans. The disease is also a concern for horses, though a vaccine is available and recommended for horses.
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 first human case of West Nile virus was confirmed in 2001. Since then, nearly 150 individuals have been confirmed to have contracted West Nile virus, and nine deaths were attributed to the virus.
We don't want people to be alarmed but rather informed," said Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County Health Commissioner. "We will be treating the park for mosquitoes this weekend, and we encourage residents to continue to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes."
Severe symptoms of West Nile virus include 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 or older or those with compromised immune systems, are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Dr. Pigott offers the following tips to avoid mosquito bites:
- Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
- Wear shoes and socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts when mosquitoes are active.
- Use mosquito repellent, following label directions carefully.
- Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.
- Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs inside and outside of your home. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out containers that hold water, such as vases, pet water bowls, flowerpot saucers, discarded tires, buckets, pool covers, birdbaths, trash cans and rain barrels.
Dead birds may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds, call the Bureau of Public Health Protection at 631-852-5999 from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents are encouraged to take a photograph of any bird in question.
To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.
For further information on West Nile virus, visit the Department of Health Services website.
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