The beach closure issued for Shirley Beach has been lifted, as results of recent samples collected show the water quality to be within acceptable levels.

The Suffolk County Department of Public Works’ Division of Vector Control plans to treat parts of the following salt marshes by helicopter to control mosquito larvae.  Should weather conditions prevent completion of the work, it will be continued on the next suitable day.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services has closed Shirley Beach in Shirley to bathing due to the finding of bacterial levels in excess of acceptable criteria.  

Commissioner James Tomarken announced today that 17 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. One mosquito (Culex pipiens-restuans) sample that was collected in Nesconset (1) on July 30^th tested positive for West Nile virus. Additionally, 16 samples, all Culex pipiens-restuans, collected from August 13^th to August 16^th, tested positive for the virus. The samples were taken from areas in Huntington (1), Greenlawn (1), East Northport (1), Northport (2), Dix Hills (1), West Islip (1), Nesconset (3), Bay Shore (1), Holtsville (1), Selden (1), Port Jefferson Station (2), and Aquebogue (1).