Suffolk County Health Commissioner James L. Tomarken, MD, MPH, MBA, MSW, announced that 17 more mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. The samples, all Culex pipiens-restuans, were collected between August 25th and August 29th from various parks in Suffolk county, including Blydenburgh Park in Smithtown. Commissioner Tomarken has contacted New York State Parks to advise activity restrictions after hours (8am-6pm). Blydenburgh County Park is currently closed to evening activity and will remain under this advisory.
In Suffolk County, 137 mosquito samples and 11 birds have tested positive for West Nile virus to date this year, with no known equestrian or human cases. The West Nile Virus was first detected in Suffolk County in 1999.
The confirmation of West Nile virus in mosquito samples or birds indicates the presence of West Nile virus in the area… While there is no cause for alarm, we urge residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce the exposure to the virus, which can be debilitating to humans. -Dr. Tomarken
Symptoms of West Nile fever:
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Skin rash on the trunk of the body
- Swollen lymph glands
- Eye pain
To keep your home and family Mosquito free, refer to our Special Mosquito Survival Guide
To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.
For medical questions related to West Nile virus, call 631-854-0333.
For further information on West Nile virus, visit the Department of Health Services’ website at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health.