Mosquito Sample From West Islip Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services has been notified by the New York State Department of Health that 48 mosquitoes from the county have tested positive for the West Nile virus, including a sample from West Islip.

In an effort to trace the virus, mosquitoes throughout Long Island county and state parks have been collected and tested during the summer.  The Mosquitoes indicated in the report were collected on August 18th, 19th, and 20th in various towns throughout Suffolk County.

Six mosquitoes from the Town of Islip area were found to be infected with the virus, including; West Islip, Heckscher State Park, Bay Shore, Holbrook, Ronkonkoma and Brentwood.  Department of Health officials declined to comment exactly where in West Islip the infected mosquito was found.

So far this year, a total of 196 mosquitoes, collected from Suffolk County towns have tested positive for West Nile virus and four humans cases with the virus have also been confirmed.

Suffolk County offered these tips to reduce the amount of mosquitoes around homes:

• 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 andgrass trimmed.
• Drain water from pool covers.

To avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to:

• Reduce 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.
• Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and all screens are in good condition.

Dead birds found in your area may also be an indicator of West Nile.  To report any dead birds or mosquito problems, call the West Nile virus hotline at 631-787-2200.