Suffolk County: West Nile virus found in Jamesport, Aquebogue
Suffolk County health officials announced Friday that seven more mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus, including one in Aquebogue.
Positive samples, collected between Aug. 21 and Aug. 22, also came from mosquito traps in Holtsville, Northport, South Huntington, West Babylon and Dix Hills.
Health officials do not disclose exactly where the traps are located.
To date, 199 mosquito samples and 37 birds have tested positive for the virus. The health department stopped testing mosquito samples and dead birds for West Nile on Aug. 31.
The first human case of West Nile virus infection in Suffolk County was confirmed on Aug. 6. In that case an adult younger than 55 from Babylon Town had experienced fever, headache, muscles aches and a stiff neck before he was hospitalized for four days. He has since recovered, officials said.
The department later confirmed another case in which a man older than 55 from Huntington Town was hospitalized for several days in July and has fully recovered.
“Though the number of mosquitoes testing positive is historically high for this time of year, we cannot predict if the numbers will continue to be high,” said James Tomarken, the Suffolk County Health and Human Services commissioner. “There are many factors, such as weather, that affect mosquito population and activity. “Given that the numbers are high and we are finding samples in virtually all parts of the county, we ask that residents be especially vigilant about reducing their exposure to mosquitoes whenever they can.”
Residents can reduce the mosquito population around their homes by eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, officials said
For medical questions related to West Nile virus, call (631) 854-0333 during normal business hours.
To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call vector control at (631) 852-4270.
