West Nile virus found in 4 Suffolk sites

Mosquito samples collected on Aug. 28 and 29 from locations in Copiague, West Babylon, Holtville and Patchogue have all tested positive for West Nile virus, the Suffolk County Health Commissioner announced in a release Friday.

So far this year, 130 mosquito samples and four birds have tested positive for West Nile virus. No humans or horses have tested positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk County this year.

"The confirmation of West Nile virus in a mosquito pool indicates that the virus is actively circulating within the mosquito population," Commissioner James Tomarken said. "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."

Earlier this week a woman older than 60 from the Town of Oyster Bay was reported as Long Island's first confirmed case of West Nile virus this year, Nassau County health official said.

To reduce the mosquito population around homes, residents should try to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.