More West Nile Found in Mosquitoes Around Huntington

The West Nile virus has been found in s mosquito samples in Dix Hills, Northport, Huntington, and Huntington Station, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services said Friday.

The samples, all Culex pipiens-restuans, were collected between July 23 and July 29.

To date, the county has confirmed 35 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus but there have been no human cases. 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.

“The confirmation of West Nile virus in mosquito samples or birds indicates the presence of West Nile virus in the area,” said Dr. JamesTomarken, health commissioner. “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.”

Dead birds may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds, call the Public Health Information Line in Suffolk County at 631-852-5999from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Residents are encouraged to take a photograph of any bird in question.

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

For further information on West Nile virus, visit the Department of Health Services’ website athttp://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/PublicHealth/PreventiveServices/ArthropodborneDiseaseProgram/Mosquitoes.aspx

Health Notes: Gala Honoree, Health Forum

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