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.

According to Suffolk County Commissioner of Health James Tomarken, MD, MPH, bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.

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 the next suitable day.