Northport Mosquito Tests Positive for West Nile

A mosquito sample collected in Northport has tested positive for West Nile virus, according to Suffolk County Health Services.

The positive sample of Culex pipiens-restuans was collected on June 6-7 by the Suffolk County Department of Health's Public Health Division.

This marks third confirmed presence of West Nile virus in Suffolk this year. But no people, horses or birds have tested positive as of yet. 

West Nile virus, first detected in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year thereafter, is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.  

“The confirmation of West Nile virus in a mosquito pool indicates that the virus is actively circulating within the mosquito population,” SCDHS Commissioner James L. Tomarken said. “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.”

To reduce the mosquito population around homes, county health offiicials say that residents should try to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed in the following ways:

• 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 and grass trimmed.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. 
• Drain water from pool covers.

Dead birds found on area properties may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds, call the West Nile virus hotline in Suffolk at 787-2200 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 852-4270.

For medical questions related to West Nile virus, call 853-3055.

For further information on West Nile virus, visit the Department of Health Services’ website at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health.