Politics & Government

Mosquito Sample From Aquebogue Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

The positive test result is the second one in the Riverhead area this season.

A mosquito sample taken from Aquebogue tested positive for West Nile virus, Suffolk County Health Services said in a statement on Monday.

The sample, taken between Aug. 9 and Aug. 11, was one of 14 samples that tested positive across the county. It is the second mosquito sample from Riverhead to test positive this season.

Infected mosquitos were also found in Holbrook, Holtsville, North Patchogue, Selden, Ridge, Greenlawn, Northport, East Northport, West Babylon, Lindenhurst, East Commack, Dix Hills, Port Jefferson Station, Bay Shore, Copiague and Huntington Station. A total of 50 samples have tested positive this season.

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“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,” said Suffolk County Health Services Commissioner James Tomarken. 

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. Last week, a man from Suffolk tested positive for the disease, becoming the first Suffolk resident to contract the virus. 11 birds have also been infected so far this season.

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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 bird baths.

• 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.


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