Community Corner

More Lindenhurst Mosquitos Test Positive for West Nile Virus

No humans have been infected with the virus in Suffolk County so far this year.

Three more mosquito samples–two in Lindenhurst and one in North Babylon collected on July 9–have tested positive for West Nile virus, county health officials said Friday. 

To date this year, six mosquito samples–the others collected in Lindenhurst on July 2 and in Rocky Point last week–have tested positive for the virus in the county. 

Two birds have also tested positive for the virus, which is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. 

An American robin collected in East Islip on July 3 and an American robin in Selden collected last month were found to have the virus. 

No humans or horses have tested positive for West Nile virus in the county so far  this year.

“The confirmation of West Nile virus in mosquito samples or birds indicates the presence of West Nile virus in the area,” Suffolk County Health Services Commissioner James L. Tomarken said. “While there is no cause for alarm, we urge residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce the exposure to the virus, which can be debilitating to humans.”

Find out what's happening in Lindenhurstwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

To reduce the mosquito population around homes, residents should try to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed:

  • Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
  • Remove all discarded tires on the property. 
  • Make sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters.
  • Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
  • Change the water in birdbaths.
  • Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds and keep shrubs and grass trimmed.
  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
  • Drain water from pool covers.

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, according to Tomarken. 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. 

Find out what's happening in Lindenhurstwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

To avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to:

  • Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
  • Wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are more active.
  • Use mosquito repellent when outdoors, following label directions carefully.
  • Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.

Dead birds found on area properties may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds, call the West Nile virus hotline in Suffolk County at 631-787-2200 from 9 a.m. to 4 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 medical questions related to West Nile virus, call 631-854-0333.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here