Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott announced today that two mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. The samples Culex pipiens-restuans were collected September 17, from Copiague(1), and Watch Hill Fire Island (1).
To date this season, 229 mosquito samples and five birds have tested positive for West Nile virus. One mosquito sample has tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus. Sixteen people have been confirmed to have been infected with West Nile virus and are recovering.
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 first human case of West Nile virus was confirmed in 2001. Since then, nearly 150 individuals have been confirmed to have contracted West Nile virus, and nine deaths were attributed to the virus.
“As the summer winds down, we are seeing a decrease in the numbers of mosquitoes entering our traps, however, there may be mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus that are still biting,” said Dr. Pigott. “It is not time to let your guard down until at least the middle of October, as cooler weather limits mosquito activity.”
Severe symptoms of West Nile virus include 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 or older or those with compromised immune systems, are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Dr. Pigott offers the following tips to avoid mosquito bites:
- Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
- Wear shoes and socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts when mosquitoes are active.
- Use mosquito repellent, following label directions carefully.
- Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.
- Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs inside and outside of your home. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out containers that hold water, such as vases, pet water bowls, flowerpot saucers, discarded tires, buckets, pool covers, birdbaths, trash cans and rain barrels.
To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.
For further information on West Nile virus, visit the Department of Health Services’ website.
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