July 17th, 2021 – Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott announced today that two mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. The samples, both Culex pipiens-restuans, were collected on July 6 from Nesconset and July 8 from Northport. These are the first mosquito samples to test positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk County this year.
Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter is reminding residents of the following tips to help reduce mosquito bites and exposure:
- Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
- Wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when mosquitoes are active.
- Use mosquito repellent, following label directions carefully.
- Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.
- Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs inside and outside of your home.
- Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out containers that hold water, such as vases, pet water bowls, flowerpot saucers, discarded tires, buckets, pool covers, birdbaths, trash cans and rain barrels.
- Download a copy of Suffolk County’s informational brochure “Get the Buzz on Mosquito Protection,” available in English and Spanish, and share it with your community.
To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.
For further information on West Nile virus, visit the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.