Stanislaus County health officials have reported the first local case of West Nile illness this year.
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Besides those three, 17 more samples tested positive for West Nile, those collected on July 27 from Jamesport (1) and on August 3 and 4 from Copiague (1), West Babylon (1), Selden (1), Setauket (1), Aquebogue (5), Huntington Station (1), Northport (1), Melville (1), Holbrook (1) and Holtsville (3).
West Nile is not contagious between horses, but it can be carried by mosquitoes from a bird host to horses and humans.
The Tri-City Herald reports the Benton-Franklin Health District announced the case Tuesday.
Some mosquito bites can transmit West Nile to humans, with mosquitoes picking up the virus by feeding on infected birds. Mosquitoes biting warm-blooded animals is the only route of transmission.
Culex mosquitoes typically increase in numbers during the mid- and late-summer months, when the weather is hot and dry. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent such as those containing DEET. The Culex mosquito is usually active during the early morning and evening hours.
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Residents can also remove standing water where mosquitoes can breed, make sure door and window screens are in good fix and use mosquito fish in troughs and water features.
