West Nile virus found in mosquitoes at 3 Suffolk parks, officials say

With all the talk about the Zika virus, you may have forgotten about another mosquito-borne threat already established in our area.

Evening activities at three Suffolk County parks have been suspended on Thursday after mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus were found, according to the Suffolk County Health Department. Symptoms usually are mild and include fever, headache, tiredness and body aches that subside on their own; some people may develop a rash on the body.

Last year Suffolk County saw five human West Nile cases and no deaths, with Nassau reporting nine human cases and no deaths. People over 50 or with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing severe illness.

State officials say vaccination can prevent horses’ exposure to mosquitoes during warm weather.

Mosquitoes can carry the viruses from infected birds to horses and people, McGwin said, though infected humans or horses cannot pass the virus to others of their own species. Finally, wear protective clothing and apply insect repellant when outdoors.

The positive test affirms the virus is present in the county, and residents should take precautions to not be bitten by the insects.

For more information, check with the Rock Island County Health Department.