West Nile Found in Lindenhurst

A mosquito sample in Lindenhurst has tested positive for West Nile virus, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services reported on Friday, July 20. The sample was collected between July 10 and July 12.

This finding comes on the heels of the virus being . And this marks the the has been in .

However, while have been spraying in Suffolk as close as and Fire Island and in parts of Nassau County, to date there've been no scheduled sprayings for and the surrounding areas yet.

In the meantime James L. Tomarken, SCDHS commissioner, said residents could reduce mosquito populations around their homes by eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

The county offers a bulletin entitled Mosquitoes and Mosquito-Borne Illnesses, which contains tips about personal protection and repellents.

To date this year 30 mosquito samples - all Culex pipiens-restuans - and six birds have tested positive for the virus. There've been no human cases reported in the County this year.

West Nile virus - first detected in birds and mosquito samples in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year thereafter through 2011 - is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Dead birds found on area properties might indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds call the in Suffolk County at 631-787-2200, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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 631-853-3055.

How bad are the mosquitoes in your neck of Lindy? Take the latest Talk Back Poll on Lindenhurst Patch , and share your comments there and in the comments section below.

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