By Suffolk Now | Auxio.tv News
Suffolk County health officials are urging residents to take mosquito precautions after the number of West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples reached 85 for the 2026 season.
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services announced that 31 additional mosquito samples tested positive in its latest round of surveillance. The new positives were collected from communities across the county, including Riverhead, Aquebogue, Southold and Bridgehampton on the East End. (Suffolk County Government)
Other positive samples were found in communities including Cold Spring Harbor, Northport, Greenlawn, Dix Hills, Melville, Bay Shore, West Islip, Islip, Smithtown, Sayville, Setauket, Farmingville, Mount Sinai, Rocky Point, North Patchogue and Mastic Beach. (Suffolk County Government)
The county has also confirmed one human case of West Nile virus this season. The infected person is an adult who lives in the Town of Brookhaven. (Suffolk County Government)
Three mosquito samples have additionally tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus, another mosquito-borne illness monitored by county health officials. Three dead crows — two found in Ronkonkoma and one in Nesconset — have also tested positive for West Nile virus. (Suffolk County Government)
What residents should know
West Nile virus spreads primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Most people who become infected develop either no symptoms or relatively mild illness. But the virus can cause more serious neurological complications in some people, including high fever, severe headache, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis and, in rare cases, death. (Suffolk County Government)
County health officials are especially urging people over age 50 and those with compromised immune systems to take precautions against mosquito bites. (Suffolk County Government)
The increasing number of positive mosquito samples does not mean every mosquito in Suffolk is carrying West Nile virus. It does, however, show that the virus is circulating in multiple areas of the county.
That makes ordinary prevention measures more important.
Residents can reduce mosquito exposure by removing standing water from items such as buckets, flowerpots, gutters and outdoor containers; using insect repellent when appropriate; and limiting exposed skin during periods of high mosquito activity.
County continues mosquito-control efforts
Suffolk County’s Division of Vector Control continues mosquito surveillance and treatment operations as officials track virus activity throughout the season. The county posted an additional mosquito-treatment notice on August 24. (Suffolk County Government)
Residents who find a dead bird on their property can report it to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Bureau of Public Health Protection at 631-852-5999 during weekday business hours.
Mosquito problems can be reported to the Department of Public Works Division of Vector Control at 631-852-4270. (Suffolk County Government)
The numbers are worth watching because public-health risk is not determined by headlines alone. What matters is the extent of virus activity, where it is occurring and whether residents respond to the information with reasonable precautions.
With positive mosquito samples now identified from western Suffolk to the East End, West Nile is not isolated to one neighborhood or town.
For Suffolk residents, the practical message is simple: mosquito season is still active, and prevention remains the first line of defense.
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