2 Mosquito Samples Test Positive For West Nile In Brookhaven Town Communities: Officials

BROOKHAVEN TOWN, NY — Suffolk’s Department of Health Services said Tuesday that two mosquito samples taken from the Town of Brookhaven, out of ten taken throughout the county, have tested positive for West Nile virus.

The mosquito samples tested were Culex pipiens-restuans, including Port Jefferson Station and Mastic Beach.

Seven mosquito samples also collected included one in Bay Shore, two in Lindenhurst, one in West Islip, one in Riverhead, and two in Northport.

One mosquito sample tested in Southold was Aedes taeniorhynchus.

To date this season, 22 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, and three mosquito samples have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus.

Two dead crows found on June 24 in Ronkonkoma tested positive for West Nile virus.No humans have tested positive for West Nile virus this year.

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.

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