Politics & Government

East Setauket Mosquito Sample Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

Residents are urged to dump any stagnant water caused by recent storms to prevent further breeding.

A mosquito sample taken in East Setauket about two weeks ago tested positive for West Nile virus, Suffolk County Health Services said in a statement on Tuesday. It is the fifth sample in the Three Village area to test positive for the disease this season.

Health officials warned residents that pools of water caused by heavy rains in the past few weeks make ideal mosquito breeding grounds. Residents are advised to pour out any stagnant water to prevent mosquitos from reproducing.

"Dump the water," said Grace Kelly-McGovern, the Public Information Director for Suffolk County Health Services, "even if it's as small as a bottle cap."

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The sample, taken between Aug. 23 and Aug. 25, was one of seven samples which tested positive across the county. Infected mosquitos were also found in Deer Park, Dix Hills, East Northport, Greenlawn, Northport and Riverhead. A total of 72 samples have tested positive this season.

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. 25 birds have tested positive for the disease this season and one Huntington man was diagnosed with the illness earlier this summer. He has since made a full recovery.

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Kelly-McGovern said this year has been "a lot milder than last year."

"Last year was our banner year," she said, adding Health Services reported 295 confirmed positive samples of West Nile Virus, more than double this season's total.

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 birdbaths.

• 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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