West Nile virus found in first Suffolk bird

Additional mosquito samples from various areas of Suffolk County and a blue jay collected in Northport have tested positive for the West Nile virus, Suffolk County Health officials said Monday.

It's the first infected bird reported by the county. No human cases have been reported on Long Island this year.

The recent positive mosquito samples were collected earlier this month in Dix Hills, Lindenhurst, Melville, West Babylon, Saint James, Bay Shore, Holbrook, Holtsville, Aquebogue, Sayville and Rocky Point.

The virus, which has appeared annually since 1999, is spread to humans by mosquitoes that have been feeding on infected birds.

An infection can cause mild illness such as flu-like symptoms or more severe problems including neck stiffness and muscle weakness. Older people and those with compromised immune systems are more at risk of developing severe illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Though the number of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus is decreasing, late summer is also the time of year where mosquitoes have been known to transmit West Nile virus to humans," Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said in a statement released Monday.

Overall, 90 West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples were collected in Suffolk County this year, the health department said. There have been 29 positive pools in Nassau County, according to the department of health.

Human cases have been reported in Queens, Erie and Onondaga counties.

Pigott reminded residents to take precautions by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeved shirts when mosquitoes are active and using repellent by following label directions.

By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.