More Infected Mosquitoes

James Tomarken, the Suffolk County health commissioner, announced on Friday that five new mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. To date, the county has confirmed nine positive mosquito samples, but no human cases of the virus have been reported as yet.

The samples were collected between July 10 and 13 from Dix Hills, West Babylon, North Babylon, Huntington, and Yaphank.

“The confirmation of West Nile virus in mosquito samples or birds indicates the presence of West Nile virus in the area,” Dr. Tomarken said in a statement. “While there is no cause for alarm, we advise residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce the exposure to the virus, which can be debilitating to humans.”

To avoid mosquito bites, residents have been advised to minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn; wear shoes and socks, long pants, and long-sleeve shirts when mosquitoes are active; use mosquito repellent, following label directions carefully, and make sure all windows and doors have screens and that all screens are in good repair.

Also, to keep mosquitoes from laying eggs inside residences or out by emptying and scrubbing, turning over, covering, or throwing out containers that hold water, such as vases, pet water bowls, flowerpot saucers, discarded tires, buckets, pool covers, birdbaths, trash cans and rain barrels. The county’s informational brochure “Get the Buzz on Mosquito Protection” in English and Spanish, is available at suffolkcountyny.gov. 

West Nile virus, first detected in birds and mosquito samples in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year thereafter, is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. No humans or horses have tested positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk this year. 

Most people infected with the virus will experience mild or no symptoms, but some can have a severe reaction, including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis. The symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. Everyone, especially people 50 years of age or older or those with compromised immune systems, who are most at risk, has been urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.