West Nile Update: No Cases, No Spraying in Smithtown

The Suffolk County Department of Health said Thursday that no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Smithtown and that there are no plans to conduct another aerial pesticide spraying at this time.

Blydenburgh County Park remains closed from 6 p.m. - 8 a.m. The county continues to collect samples at the park each week and will announce spraying plans on a daily basis.

Last week, 40 more mosquito samples from Suffolk County, including two in Smithtown, tested positive for West Nile virus. These samples were collected Aug. 3 - Aug. 10.

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.

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.