County Continues to Find West Nile Virus in Local Mosquito Population

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services continues to find mosquitoes in and around the Three Village area carrying West Nile Virus, with another mosquito sample taken between Aug. 20 and Aug. 23 in East Setauket has tested positive for the virus, the county announced Friday.

Thus far, nine mosquito samples taken in East Setauket have tested positive for the virus. In 2011, a total of five samples taken in East Setauket between June and September showed the virus circulating in the local mosquito population. The virus was first detected in the mosquito population this year on .

Infected mosquitoes have also been found in Port Jefferson Station, in Smithtown at Blydenburgh County Park, Nesconset, Rocky Point, and other places in Suffolk County. Thus far, 192 mosquito samples and 29 birds have tested positive for the virus. Two reported human cases in Suffolk County were not fatal.

Health services commissioner Dr. James Tomarken urged residents to eliminate stagnant water around their homes in order to help control the mosquito population.

“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,” Tomarken said in a statement. “... 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.”

The county urges residents to call 631-787-2200 to report dead birds, which may be an indicator of West Nile Virus. Mosquito problems or pools of stagnant water may be reported to the county's vector control division at 631-852-4270, or call 631-853-3055 with any medical questions.