Mosquito Sample taken From Fire Island Pines Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

BROOKHAVEN TOWN, NY — A Fire Island Pines mosquito sample was one of seven collected across Suffolk last week that tested positive for the West Nile Virus, Suffolk County Department of Health Services officials said Friday.

Additional Culex pipiens-restuans samples were collected in Melville, West Islip, Islip, Shelter Island, and Cold Spring Harbor, according to officials.

A Fire Island Pines sample tested positive the week of Aug. 25.

To date this season, 127 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, and three mosquito samples have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus.

Previously, two dead crows found on June 24 in Ronkonkoma and one deceased Blue Jay found on Aug. 5 in Nesconset tested positive for West Nile Virus.

One adult resident, who lives in the town of Brookhaven, tested positive for the virus.

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.

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

Dead birds could indicate the presence of West Nile Virus. To report one 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.