August
15, 2014
Ten More Mosquito Samples
Test Positive for West Nile Virus
Residents urged to eliminate stagnant water near homes
Suffolk County Health Commissioner James L.
Tomarken, MD, MPH, MBA, MSW, announced today that 10 mosquito samples have
tested positive for West Nile virus. The samples, all Culex pipiens-restuans, were collected on August 5th and
August 6th from Northport
(1), Nesconset (2) Rocky Point (1), West Bay Shore (1), West Babylon (2),
Lindenhurst (1), and Copiague (2).
To date this year, 56 mosquito samples and 7
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.”
To reduce the mosquito population around
homes, residents should try to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed:
·
Dispose
of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding
containers.
·
Remove
all discarded tires on the property.
·
Make
sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters.
·
Turn
over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
·
Change
the water in birdbaths.
·
Clean
vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds and keep shrubs and grass
trimmed.
·
Clean
and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
·
Drain
water from pool covers.
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 systems, who are most at risk, are
urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
To avoid mosquito bites, residents are
advised to:
·
Minimize
outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
·
Wear
shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors for long periods
of time, or when mosquitoes are more active.
·
Use
mosquito repellent when outdoors, following label directions carefully.
·
Make
sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good
repair.
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. 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 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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