West Nile Virus Found at Blydenburgh County Park

Mosquitoes collected on July 21 at Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown have tested positive for the West Nile Virus, according to the Suffolk County Health Department. The campground has been closed indefinitely, but the park will remain open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Park visitors are encouraged to avoid being bitten by wearing proper clothing and using a mosquito repellent.

"With public safety as our primary concern, it was necessary to restrict park operations to daytime hours when mosquitoes are less prevalent," Commissioner of Health Services Dr. James L. Tomarken said.  "The Health Department will continue to closely monitor the mosquito activity in the area to determine when the park can return to normal operations."

For further information about the Campground closure or activity restrictions at Blydenburgh County Park, contact the Parks Department at (631) 854-4949 or by email at scparks@suffolkcountyny.gov. For information about the West Nile Virus or to report sightings of dead or dying crows and blue jays, contact the Health Department at (631) 853-3000.