Suffolk County, NY - October 20, 2015 - Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. James L. Tomarken announced today that two mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquito samples, Aedes japonicus and Aedes vexans, were collected on September 30 from Bay Shore (1) and October 6 from Greenlawn (1). This year, 200 mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus. Mosquito surveillance has concluded for the year 2015.
West Nile virus, first detected in birds and mosquito samples in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year thereafter, is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Four humans have tested positive for West Nile virus this year.
To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.
To learn more about how mosquitoes are captured and tested for mosquito-borne diseases in Suffolk County, visit here
To learn more about how mosquitoes are prepared for West Nile virus testing, visit here