County Executive Steve Bellone and Commissioner of Health Services James Tomarken announced today the activation of the West Nile hotline as part of a continuing effort to detect and prevent the spread of West Nile virus in the county. West Nile virus infects birds and is spread to humans by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds and then humans.

Dr. James Tomarken, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, has issued an advisory against bathing at 67 beaches due to the heavy rainfall that is occurring today (6/7/13) and forecasted to continue throughout the weekend. Among the beaches are those located along the northern shoreline of Great South Bay, in Sag Harbor, within and adjacent to various north shore embayments (Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington Harbor and Bay, Centerport Harbor, Northport Harbor and Bay, Port Jefferson Harbor Complex, and Stony Brook Harbor), and those Long Island Sound beaches that are directly impacted by nearby storm water discharges (See attached list.).

The purpose of the advisory board is to advise the Commissioner of Health Services, through the Division of Patient Care Services administration, on matters relating to the operation of the health center.  The meeting is open to the public.  Guests are asked to call in advance.

The Board of Review hears requests for variances and waivers to the county’s requirements for water and sewage disposal for new construction, and for storage of toxic or hazardous materials, as stated in the Suffolk County Sanitary Code. A listing of each month’s scheduled hearings may be obtained in the days prior to the hearing by contacting the Department of Health Services’ Division of Environmental Quality at 852-5800.

As the official beginning of summer approaches, Commissioner of Health Services James Tomarken urges residents to take action throughout the season to reduce their chances of being bitten by mosquitoes that breed around their homes.