Town Of Smithtown: Nine Mosquito Samples Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Suffolk County

Smithtown NY

17 August, 2021

8:01 PM

Description

Press release from the Town of Smithtown: August 16, 2021 Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott announced today that nine mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus. One Culex salinarius sample was collected in Rocky Point (1) on August 3, 2021. The remaining samples, all Culex pipiens-restuans, were collected on August 3 and August 4, 2021, from Farmingdale (1), Smithtown (1), Holbrook (1), Rocky Point (2), Stony Brook (1), West Islip (1), and Greenlawn (1). In addition, two crows tested positive for West Nile virus. To date this season, 25 mosquito samples and two birds have tested positive for West Nile virus. 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. Most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, but some can develop severe symptoms 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. 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. "The confirmation of West Nile virus in mosquito samples and birds indicates the presence of West Nile virus in the area," said Dr. Pigott. "While there is no cause for alarm, we advise residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce exposure to West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases." Dr. Pigott offers the following tips to avoid mosquito bites: Dead birds may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds, call the Bureau of Public Health Protection at 631-852-5999 from 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. This press release was produced by the Town of Smithtown. The views expressed here are the author's own.