More West Nile Found in Smithtown

The Suffolk County Department of Health said Friday that 40 more mosquito samples from Suffolk County, including two in Smithtown, have tested positive for West Nile virus.

These samples were collected Aug. 3 - Aug 10 and the county has not released the specific locations where the mosquito samples have been taken.

Blydenburgh County Park remains closed from 6 p.m. - 8 a.m. The county will continue to collect samples at the park and "will recommend resumption of dusk-to-dawn activities at the facility when the park is considered to be safe," the Department of Health said.

After mosquitoes collected on July 21 at Blydenburgh County Park tested positive for the West Nile virus, the county closed the campground and conducted an aerial pesticide spraying on Aug. 8 in the park and areas adjacent to it.

"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 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."

West Nile virus is a potentially fatal disease, although only one in 150 people who contract it develop serious illness.

139 mosquito samples, collected from various places in the county, have tested positive for West Nile virus this year alone. A total of 16 birds have also tested positive.

The department of health recommends residents reduce the mosquito population in residential areas by:

• Disposing of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
• Removing all discarded tires on the property.
• Making sure roof gutters drain properly and clogged gutters are clean
• Turning over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
• Draining water from pool covers.

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.