Politics & Government
Dead Crows Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Nesconset
Suffolk County Health Department's findings confirm West Nile Virus in the Hauppauge area.
Suffolk County Department of Health services confirmed dead birds picked up in Nesconset have tested positive for West Nile Virus.
Two dead crows were collected from the Nesconset area on July 18. The exact location were the birds was not available.
West Nile Virus was first detected in Suffolk County in 1999, with as many as 90 dead crows testing positive for the virus in 2008. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Suffolk County has a dead bird hotline at 631-787- 2200 for residents to report sightings of dead birds not killed by vehicles or predatory animals. The hotline is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will remain active until Labor Day.
In addition, the Suffolk Department of Health said four mosquito samples tested positive for the virus from East Northport (2), Northport (1) and Huntington (1).“The confirmation of West Nile virus in a mosquito pool indicates that the virus is actively circulating within the mosquito population,” said Dr. James Tomarken, commissioner of Suffolk County Health Services “While there is no cause for alarm, we urge residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to contain the spread of the virus, which can be debilitating to humans.”
The county is asking residents action to eliminate areas of stagnant water, where mosquitos breed.
Residents are asked to:
- 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.
According to the SCDHS, most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, but some can develop symptoms such as high fever, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.
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The symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. Individuals, particularly those 50 years of age or older, or those with compromised immune systems, are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Those with medical questions about West Nile Virus can call 631-853-3055.
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