West Nile Virus has been found in mosquitoes trapped this year in Rockland and Suffolk counties.
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The first mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in the North Shore were collected in Winnetka on June 22 and tested positive two days later, according to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District. Statewide previous year, 49 of 102 counties had positive cases involving humans, birds, mosquitoes or horses. “While there is no cause for alarm, we urge residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce the exposure to the virus, which can be debilitating to humans”.
– Change water in birdbaths at least weekly. The record number of deaths due to the virus is 15 recorded in 2012.
“The best way to prevent West Nile virus is to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites”, said DPHHS director Richard Opper.
The health department encouraged citizens to wear shoes and socks, long trousers and long-sleeved shirts while applying insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535 when mosquitoes are most active – especially between dusk and dawn.
· Use mosquito repellent when outdoors, following label directions carefully.
– Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Dead birds are a strong indicator of the virus.
Dead birds or West Nile-related activity can be reported to Suffolk County at 631-787-2200 from 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents are encouraged to take a photograph of any bird in question.
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Evanston’s first instance of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus was confirmed Thursday by the city’s Health and Human Services Department.
