Presence of West Nile virus discovered on Island
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services announced that Shelter Island is among six locations where the presence of the West Nile virus was detected.
Mosquito samples were collected on Sept. 1, the Health Department reported, on Shelter Island and in Cold Spring Harbor, Melville, Islip and Fire Island Pines. All of the locations turned up one mosquito sample, while researchers found two samples in Melville.
The virus was first detected in birds and mosquito samples in Suffolk in 1999. It has re-appeared every year since then.
According to the Health Department, most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, but some can become severely ill. Symptoms can include “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.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus has caused over 2,900 deaths in the U.S. from 1999 through 2024. The CDC reports that about 130 people die from the virus every year. Nine people have died from the illness in Suffolk County since 2000.
To date this season, 127 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, the Health Department said, and three mosquito samples have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus, which has similar symptoms for those infected.
Dead birds could indicate the presence of West Nile virus. Two dead crows found on June 24 in Ronkonkoma and one dead Blue Jay found on August 5 in Nesconset tested positive for West Nile virus, the Health Department reported. There were two reports of humans contracting the disease, one in the Town of Brookhaven, and one in the Town of Islip.
Islanders, especially those 50 or older or those with compromised immune systems, are urged to avoid mosquito bites.
To report a dead bird on your property, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Bureau of Public Health Protection at 631-852-5999 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents are encouraged to submit a photo of the bird.
County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott has said, “Fall is a good time of year to repair screens and clean up your yard to reduce areas where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Take precautions when doing so as mosquitoes are still active.”
The commissioner offered tips on avoiding mosquito bites:
• 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.
• More information about West Nile virus in Suffolk County can be found at: suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Public-Health/Preventive-Services/Arthropod-borne-Diseases/Mosquitoes
