Politics & Government

More Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile in Smithtown

Four human cases of the virus confirmed in Suffolk County.

Samples collected on Aug. 18, 19 and 20 at Blydenburgh Park in Smithtown tested positive for West Nile virus, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services announced Tuesday.

The department also announced that four confirmed cases of West Nile virus in humans have been reported in the county. The department would not identify from what towns these cases emerged.

Blydenburgh Park remains closed from 6 p.m. - 8 a.m. indefinitely until the weekly samples taken by the county indicate there are no more traces of West Nile. There are no current plans for more aerial pesticide spraying.

Find out what's happening in Smithtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

48 samples across the county tested positive last week. This brings the county total to 88 positive samples in August alone, three of which were in Smithtown.

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.

Find out what's happening in Smithtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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.


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