Mosquito with West Nile Found in Jamesport

A mosquito sample taken in Jamesport two weeks ago tested positive for West Nile virus, Suffolk County Health Services said in a statement on Monday.

“The confirmation of West Nile virus in a mosquito pool indicates that the virus is actively circulating within the mosquito population,” said Suffolk County Health Services Commissioner James Tomarken. “While there is no cause for alarm, we urge residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to contain the spread of the virus, which can be debilitating to humans.”

The sample, taken between Aug. 2 and Aug. 5, was one of 14 samples which tested positive across the county. Infected mosquitos were found in Bay Shore, Bridgehampton, Dix Hills, East Northport, East Setauket, Holbrook, Huntington, Lindenhurst, North Patchogue, Rocky Point, Ronkonkoma. A total of 24 samples have tested positive this season.

West Nile Virus was first detected in Suffolk in 1999, and has been found every year since. The virus is transmitted to humans by bites from infected mosquitoes. No humans or horses have been infected with the virus in Suffolk this year, but 11 birds have been infected so far this season.

Most humans with the virus experience mild or no symptoms, but severe symptoms such as high fever, neck stiffness, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis can last several weeks in extreme cases, and can be permanent.

Residents older than 50 and those with compromised immune systems are the most at risk. To reduce the spread of the disease, Suffolk County Health Services advises residents to:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.

• Remove all discarded tires.

• Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters.

• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows that aren’t being used.

• Change the water in birdbaths.

• Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds and trim shrubs and grass.

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools

• Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.

• Wear shoes, 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.

For more information about the virus, call 853-3055 or visit the Department of Health Services’ website.