Politics & Government

West Nile Discovered In Patchogue

Local sample among four Suffolk County-wide that have tested positive for the virus.

A mosquito sample that tests positive for the West Nile virus has been discovered in Patchogue, Commissioner James Tomarken of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services announced Friday.

According to the department’s announcement, the sample is among four that were collected on Aug. 28 and 29. Other locations with a sample that tested positive include Holtsville, West Babylon and Copiague. All of the samples are Culex pipiens-restuans, the department says.

“The confirmation of West Nile virus in a mosquito pool indicates that the virus is actively circulating within the mosquito population,” Tomarken said in the announcement. “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.”

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So far 130 mosquito samples and four birds have tested positive for West Nile virus, but no humans nor horses have this year, the department said.

Residents who want to report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water can call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270. More information on West Nile can be found at the Department of Health Services’ website by clicking here.

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