Sampling performed by SUNY Stony Brook has confirmed cyanobacteria blooms, more commonly known as blue–green algae, in Niger Pond in Calverton, Peconic River in Riverhead, and Mecox Bay in Southampton.  Due to these findings, health officials ask residents not to use or swim or wade in these waters and to keep their pets and children away from the area. 

Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. James L. Tomarken announced today that 34 mosquito samples (all Culex pipiens-restuans) collected between August 9 and August 12, 2016, have tested positive for West Nile virus. 

According to Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Dr. James Tomarken, bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. The following beaches are closed to bathing due to the finding of bacterial levels in excess of acceptable criteria.

If weather permits, the Suffolk County Department of Public Works will treat sections of the following communities as part of their ongoing annual efforts to control adult mosquitoes.

The next meeting of Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Alcohol and Substance Abuse Subcommittee of the Community Mental Hygiene Advisory Board is scheduled for Thursday September 1, 2016.