More mosquitoes test positive for West Nile

Suffolk County reports an additional 29 mosquito samples that have tested positive for West Nile virus, bringing the total this year to 175, health officials said Friday.

The most recent samples were collected Aug. 16 from locations in Holtsville, Rocky Point, Farmingville, Port Jefferson Station, Mastic Beach, West Babylon, Copiague, Lindenhurst, Huntington Station, East Northport, Northport, Greenlawn, South Huntington, Huntington, Holbrook, Bay Shore, Mattituck, Aquebogue, Smithtown and Brookhaven, according to a news release from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.

The virus can be spread to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. This year one human case in the county has been confirmed -- that of a Babylon Town resident who was hospitalized and has since recovered, heath officials said.

With this year's high number of positive mosquito samples, residents are asked to "be especially vigilant about reducing their exposure" by eliminating stagnant water around their homes where mosquitoes can breed, said James L. Tomarken, commissioner of the health services department.

So far 21 birds have tested positive for the virus. To report dead birds, residents can call the county's West Nile virus hotline at 631-787-2200 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Call the Department of Public Works' Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270 to report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water.

And for related medical questions, call 631-853-3055.