The Suffolk County Department of Health Services announced on Friday that six mosquito samples of West Nile virus have been detected throughout the county, including two in Nesconset.
Friday's announcement comes after the SCDHS previously reported that three mosquitos had already tested positive.
“The confirmation of West Nile virus in a mosquito pool indicates that the virus is actively circulating within the mosquito population,” said Dr. Tomarken. “While there is no cause for alarm, we urge residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to contain the spread of the virus, which can be debilitating to humans.”
Samples were also found in Farmingville, Northport, Dix Hills, and Amagansett. All samples were collected on July 2 and 3.
West Nile, which has become a repeat problem on Long Island in the Summer, is particularly dangerous to humans for the neurological effects it could present. However no human cases have been reported this summer.
According to the SCDHS, most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, but some can develop symptoms such as high fever, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.
The symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. Individuals, particularly those 50 years of age or older, or those with compromised immune systems, are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
The SCDHS suggests the following measures to eliminate stagnant water:
- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
- Remove all discarded tires on the property.
- Make sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters.
- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Change the water in birdbaths.
- Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds and keep shrubs and grass trimmed.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
- Drain water from pool covers.
