Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile in Lindenhurst

A mosquito sample collected in Lindenhurst has tested positive for West Nile virus, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services has announced. 

The sample collected on July 2 is the first to test positive for the virus in Suffolk County this season, officials said. An American robin collected in East Islip on July 3 also tested positive for West Nile. 

Last month, an American robin in Selden was found to have the virus. 

There have been no reports this season of humans testing positive for West Nile, which is spread to humans by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds and then bite humans. Humans cannot contract the virus directly from birds. 

“The confirmation of West Nile virus in mosquito samples or birds indicates the presence of West Nile virus in the area,” Commissioner of Health Services James Tomarken said in a press release. “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.”

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. 

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.

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.