Four Mosquito Samples Test Positive for West Nile Virus

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services is announcing that four additional mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus. On September 22, two Culex pipiens-restuans samples were collected, one in Bay Shore and one in Watch Hill Fire Island, one Culex salinarius sample was collected in Bay Shore and one Aedes taeniorhynchus sample was collected in Watch Hill Fire Island.

To date this season, 147 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, five mosquito samples have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus and nine mosquito samples have tested positive for Potosi virus. Previously, two deceased crows and one deceased Blue Jay tested positive for West Nile virus. Four adult humans have tested positive for West Nile Virus this season.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most infected people will experience mild or no symptoms. Some can develop mild to severe symptoms including headache, neck stiffness, vision loss, high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis and potentially death.

Everyone is urged to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Individuals 50 and older, as well as those with compromised immune systems, are urged to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Deceased birds could indicate the presence of West Nile virus. To report a deceased bird on your property, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Bureau of Public Health Protection at 631-852-5999 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents are encouraged to submit a photo of the bird. To report mosquito problems, contact the Department of Public Works Division of Vector Control at 631-852-4270.

For more information, visit Mosquitoes.