Roughly 40 percent of Riverhead Middle School students believe vaping is not harmful to their health, according to data collected last year by the Riverhead Youth Coalition, a group of students in grades seven through 12 whose goal is to prevent drug and alcohol abuse among youth. READ
Mosquito samples taken in Southold, Jamesport and Aquebogue tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the Suffolk County Health Department. The samples — collected between Aug. 13 and Aug. 19 — were among 18 to test positive across Suffolk County. READ
Suffolk County will offer another free influenza clinic for residents at the Riverhead Library on Saturday.
New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a public health emergency earlier this month and provided additional funding to increase access to flu vaccines. READ
Suffolk County is one of 15 counties nationwide selected to participate in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. READ
A “blue-green algae” bloom has been confirmed in Peconic Lake in Calverton and in Marratooka Pond in Mattituck, according to the Suffolk County Health Department, which is urging people not to swim or wade in these waters. READ
Last summer, a homeowner in the Nassau Point section of Cutchogue did everything he could to protect himself from contracting a tick-borne illness. He sprayed his lawn with repellent three times and cleared his property of the brush and leaves so attractive to the bloodsucking arachnids. READ
A mosquito sample taken in Riverhead tested positive for the West Nile Virus, Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. James L. Tomarken announced today. READ
BARBARAELLEN KOCH PHOTO | Reeves Beach was found to be safe for swimming after the nearby beach at the 4-H Camp revealed high levels of bacteria.
The Suffolk County Health Department declared Iron Pier Beach and Reeves Beach cleared for swimming after the nearby beach at the Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp tested for high levels of bacteria yesterday.
Officials tested nearby beaches yesterday and today and found no threat, Riverhead Town recreation program planner Tom Filgate said.
The beach at the 4-H Camp along Long Island Sound remains the only beach closed.
For updates on closings, click here.