Politics & Government

Mosquito Samples Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Suffolk County Department of Public Works to treat parts of Huntington as part of ongoing effort to control adult mosquitoes.

The New York State Department of Health notified Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) Commissioner James L. Tomarken that eight mosquito samples, including two collected in Huntington, have been confirmed as testing positive for West Nile virus. The samples were collected on July 13.

West Nile virus, first detected in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year thereafter through 2010, is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. No humans, horses or birds have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Suffolk this year. However, a New Hyde Park resident was recently reported as the first individual in the state to contract the West Nile infection.

Weather permitting, the Suffolk County Department of Public Works is planning to treat sections of the Huntington community on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of its ongoing annual effort to control adult mosquitoes.

West Nile virus treatments include the ground spraying of scourge in an area in South Huntington, bounded on the west by New York Avenue, on the north by Jericho Turnpike, on the east by Pigeon Hill Road and on the south by Old Country Road, on Tuesday from 8:30-11:30 p.m. and an area in the Half Hollow Hills section of South Huntington, bounded on the south by Old Country Road, on the west by Burrs Lane, on the north by Ryder Avenue and on the east by Deer Park Avenue, on Wednesday from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

While most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, some can develop severe symptoms including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. 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.

According to the Department of Health, dead birds found on area properties may indicate the presence of West Nile virus. To report dead birds, call the West Nile virus hotline in Suffolk County at (631) 787-2200 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works' Vector Control Division at (631) 852-4270.

For medical questions related to West Nile virus, call (631) 853-3055.

For more information on West Nile virus and current and future notices about spraying, visit the Department of Health Services' website at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health or call the Spraying Information Hotline (631) 852-4939.


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