In an effort to assist residents who are gearing up to quit smoking, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services is expanding its smoking cessation program throughout Suffolk County during the month of November.  November 21^st marks the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, which aims to encourage smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By quitting — even for one day — smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.

Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services James Tomarken reported today that there has been second confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Suffolk County in 2013.  The individual, who is over 50 years of age and resides in the Town of Brookhaven, became ill in September with symptoms consistent with West Nile virus. The person was hospitalized for about a month and is currently recovering in a rehabilitation facility.

Commissioner James Tomarken announced today that seven new mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. The samples, all Culex pipiens-restuans, were collected on October 2^nd and October 3^rd from locations in Oakdale and Mattituck. To date this year, 177 mosquito samples and ten birds have tested positive for West Nile virus. No horses and one human case have tested positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk County this year.