Second sample positive for W. Nile

A second Suffolk County mosquito sample - one collected June 28 in West Babylon - has tested positive for West Nile virus, according to health department officials.

State and Suffolk health department officials also earlier confirmed a mosquito sample taken June 20 from Gardiner County Park in Islip and a dead crow picked up June 27 in Northport as carrying the virus.

"The confirmation of West Nile virus in a mosquito pool indicates that the virus is actively circulating within the mosquito population," said James L. Tomarken, Suffolk County Health Services commissioner in a news release issued Thursday. "While there is no cause for alarm, we urge residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to contain the spread of the virus, which can be debilitating to humans."

People become infected through the bite of an infected mosquito, which is why health officials advise eliminating stagnant water around homes where mosquitoes breed.

That includes disposing of any containers that can hold water, removing discarded tires, unclogging roof gutters and turning over wading pools and wheel barrows when not being used.

To report dead birds in Suffolk that may indicate the presence of West Nile virus, call 631-787-2200, officials said. To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools in Suffolk, call 631-852-4270. More information is available at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health.