Dr. James Tomarken, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, has issued an advisory against bathing at 49 beaches. (See list below.) The advisory is based on the potential that the presence of bacteria at levels that exceed New York State standards will impact these areas.

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.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services in collaboration with Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County is offering a free course on managing diabetes.