Suffolk County health officials said Friday that 11 more mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus.
The samples, 10 of Culex pipiens-restuans species and one of the Culex salinarius species, were collected on Sept. 4 and Sept. 5 from West Babylon (1), West Islip (1), Oakdale (1), Holtsville (1), Mattituck (1), Northport (1), Greenlawn (1), Melville (1), and Rocky Point (2).
No new mosquito samples have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
To date, Suffolk County has reported 68 mosquito samples that have tested positive for West Nile virus and six that have tested positive for EEE. Four birds have tested positive for West Nile virus. No humans or horses have tested positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk County to date 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. James Tomarken, health department commissioner. “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.”
West Nile virus may cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Symptoms may include fever, headache, vomiting, muscle aches, joint pain, and fatigue. There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus.
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services continues to ask residents to assist in controlling the mosquito population by eliminating standing water on their property.