Mosquito Sample Tests Positive for West Nile in E. Setauket

The Suffolk County Department of Health said Friday that twelve more mosquito samples from Suffolk County, including one from East Setauket, have tested positive for West Nile virus.

This group of mosquitoes was collected between August 3 and August 5 in various places throughout the county, and brings the total of infected mosquitoes found in Suffolk County to 99 so far this year. Sixteen birds have tested positive for the virus, and one person in New York State  has tested positive.

No park closures have taken place in Three Village, but Southaven County Park in Brookhaven and Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown are closed between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. to reduce visitors' exposure to mosquito activity.

The county advised residents to minimize activity outdoors between dusk and dawn, use mosquito repellant, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors during periods of mosquito activity, and make sure windows and doors have screens in good repair. The county also issued tips for residents to employ to reduce the mosquito population around their homes, including:

• Remove items like tin cans, ceramic pots, plastic containers, and tires which act as water-holding devices;
• Clean clogged gutters and make sure they drain properly;
• Frequently change the water in birdbaths;
• Turn over items like wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use;
• Keep shrubs and grass trimmed, and keep vegetation and debris away from the edges of ponds;
• Drain water from pool covers;
• Make sure swimming pools, hot tubs, and outdoor saunas are clean and chlorinated.

The county also advised that dead birds may indicate the presence of West Nile, and anyone who finds a dead bird should call the county's West Nile hotline at 631-787-2200  between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Mosquito problems and stagnant pools of water can be reported to the Department of Public Works' Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.

For medical questions pertaining to West Nile virus, residents can call 631-853-3055 or visit the Department of Health Services website.