The New York State Department of Health informed Suffolk County health officials that an additional mosquito sample has tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus, also referred to as EEE. The mosquito sample, of Culiseta melanura species, was collected in the Manorville area on September 18.
An additional mosquito sample has tested positive for West Nile virus, as well. The sample, of the Culex pipiens-restuans species, was collected on September 17 in Dix Hills.
To date this season, Suffolk County has reported 74 mosquito samples that have tested positive for West Nile virus and seven that have tested positive for EEE. On September 17, Suffolk County reported two human cases of West Nile virus. Suffolk County has had no human cases of EEE. No horses have tested positive for EEE or West Nile virus in Suffolk County this year.
Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Though Eastern equine encephalitis is rare, it is a potentially deadly illness for humans. The disease is also a concern for horses, though a vaccine is available and recommended for horses.
“We don’t want people to be alarmed but rather informed,” said Dr. Tomarken. “We will be treating the Manorville area for mosquitoes this weekend, and we encourage residents to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.”
Individuals, especially those aged 50 or over or those with compromised immune systems are urged to take precautions when outdoors. Residents are advised to use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Additionally, avoid going outside from dusk to dawn when most mosquitoes are active, wear long sleeves and long pants when night-time activity is unavoidable, eliminate standing water from flowerpots, clogged gutters, recycle bins, birdbaths, toys, and swimming pool and hot tub covers.
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 mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Department of Health Services’ website.
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 mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Department of Health Services’ website at http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/PublicHealth/PreventiveServices/ArthropodborneDiseaseProgram/Mosquitoes.aspx
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