Suffolk
County Health Commissioner Dr. James Tomarken announced today that two new
mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus. The samples, all Culex pipiens-restuans, were collected between
9/24-9/30, from Islip (1), and Aquebogue (1).
To
date this season, the county has reported one horse, 141 mosquito samples, and 12
birds have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The county has also reported five
human cases of West Nile virus to date this year.
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.
“Though
the temperatures are getting cooler, mosquitoes may still be active for several
more weeks,” said Dr. Tomarken. “While there is no cause for alarm, we advise
residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce exposure to West Nile
virus, which can be debilitating to humans.”
According
to Dr. Tomarken, most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild
or no symptoms, but some can develop severe symptoms including 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 of age or older, or those with compromised immune
systems, who are most at risk, are urged to take precautions to avoid being
bitten by mosquitoes.
To
avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to:
- 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.
- Download a copy of Suffolk
County’s informational brochure “Get the Buzz on Mosquito Protection,”
available in English
and Spanish,
and share it with your community.
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 at http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/PublicHealth/PreventiveServices/ArthropodborneDiseaseProgram/Mosquitoes.aspx
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