E. Northport Mosquito Sample Tests Positive For West Nile Virus
/Four more mosquito samples, including one in East Northport, recently tested positive for West Nile virus throughout Suffolk, county Health Services Commissioner James L. Tomarken announced Friday.
The samples were collected on July 8. Two were from Lindenhurst, one from Nesconset and one from East Northport.
To date this year, seven mosquito samples have tested positive. Previous samples were collected in South Huntington, Selden and West Babylon.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. No humans, horses or birds have tested positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk this year.
“The confirmation of West Nile virus in mosquito samples or birds indicates the presence of West Nile virus in the area,” Tomarken said. “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.”
To reduce the mosquito population around homes, residents should try to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed:
· 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.
Tomarken said most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, but some can develop severe symptoms including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. The symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
--CARL CORRY
