Residents Urged to Call West Nile Hotline

As the Summer season enters into full swing, the risk of contracting mosquito-borne infections, like West Nile virus, dramatically increases.

To reduce harm to Lindenhurst residents, the Suffolk County Legislator is urging residents to call the West Nile hotline.

What to Do
So far this Summer the virus has been identified in a crow in Northport and in a sample mosquito pool test in Islip.

Residents are asked to call the Department of Health Services’ Public Health Hotline at 631-787-2200, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m and 4 p.m. if they spot dead birds in their community.

Calls made during non-business hours could be left on the phone answering machine.

“As positive tests for West Nile virus are verified, we're asking everyone to keep the Health Department informed about dead bird sightings so the proper authorities can track where the virus is present and take the necessary precautions,” Legislator Lou D’Amaro (D-North Babylon) said.

Birds that are prone to being bit by infected mosquitoes that could indicate the presence of the virus in a given area include crows, blue jays, hawks, falcons, owls, exotic or unusual bird species.

If residents spot a dead bird of the aforementioned kinds, or peculiar circumstances such as die-offs of multiple birds, they're urged to take action from a safe distance by calling in the sighting.

“If you spot a dead bird in your community that has been there less than 24 hours and shows no sign of other trauma, you should report the sighting on the County’s hotline,” D’Amaro said.

“The Suffolk County Department of Health Services will be able to identify over the phone if it's a bird that requires testing. If the Department determines  testing isn't needed, it'll provide you with instructions for how to proceed.”

History and Symptoms
West Nile virus was first detected in Suffolk County in 1999. Although not everyone who's bit by an infected mosquito will develop the disease, it's a very serious and potentially fatal ailment, D’Amaro said.

It's estimated that 20 percent of those who become infected will develop some form of West Nile illness. Mild symptoms include fever, headache, body aches and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands.

It could lead to West Nile encephalitis or meningitis with severe symptoms including high fever, muscle weakness, stupor and disorientation.

Since 2001, when the first human case of West Nile virus was identified in Suffolk County, there've been nearly four dozen human cases and several deaths attributed to the disease.

Prevention
In addition to spotting dead birds that might be carrying the disease, residents are encouraged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by:

• Making sure windows and door screens don't have holes and tears.
• Trimming overgrown bushes.
• Making sure stagnant water doesn't accumulate in bird baths, empty flower pots, abandoned tires or chair cushions.
• Dumping water in children’s pools immediately after use.
• Avoiding going outdoors from dusk to dawn, the peak mosquito-biting hours.

Residents who do go outside at these times of day should wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Insect repellent containing DEET has been proven to be most effective at reducing mosquito bites, assuming they're applied according to manufacturer’s instructions.

For further information about West Nile virus, visit the Department of Health Services’ website at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health or call 631-853-3055.

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