On Friday, Suffolk County announced that New York State Department of Health informed its health officials that three additional mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. The samples were collected on September 25th in Lindenhurst, West Babylon, and Mattituck.
So far this season Suffolk County has reported 77 mosquito samples that have tested positive for West Nile virus and seven that have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus.
Two people were reported to the County to have had West Nile virus on September 17th. Suffolk County has had no human cases of EEE virus. And no horses have tested positive for EEE virus or West Nile virus in Suffolk County this year.
According to health officials, West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
West Nile virus symptoms may include fever, headache, vomiting, muscle aches, joint pain, and fatigue. As of now, there is no specific treatment for West Nile virus.
“The confirmation of West Nile virus in mosquito samples indicates the presence of West Nile virus in the area,” said Suffolk County health Commissioner Dr. James L. Tomarken. “While there is no cause for alarm, we advise residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce their exposure to the virus, which can be debilitating to humans.”
Suffolk County advises residents 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.