Long Island's first West Nile virus detection found in Dix Hills mosquito sample
West Nile virus is the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease in the nation. Credit: AP/Rick Bowmer
Mosquitoes collected in Dix Hills last month have tested positive for the West Nile virus, the first this year, Suffolk County health officials reported Thursday.
Two dead crows picked up on June 24 — the same day the mosquito samples were taken — also tested positive for the virus.
Since it was first detected in the U.S. in 1999, the virus appears every year, roughly between June and October. It is the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Between 1999 and 2025 there were 63,155 cases and 3,315 deaths.
Last year there were 59 human cases in New York, including 8 in Nassau County and 5 in Suffolk.
To date, there have not been any West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes found in Nassau County, health officials said Thursday.
Mosquitoes pass the virus to humans after biting an infected bird. While most people who are infected will not experience any symptoms, others may have a fever, headache and body aches. A small percentage of people develop severe illness, which can cause inflammation of the brain, convulsions and neck stiffness. People over the age of 65 and those with chronic illness and compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.
Suffolk Health Department officials said this was the first mosquito sample positive for the virus of 359 samples tested so far this year.
Monitoring by the county's Arthropod-borne Disease Program also detected a mosquito sample positive for Jamestown Canyon virus collected in Southold on June 17. The virus, which has symptoms similar to West Nile, is more rare with only 26 human cases reported in the U.S. in 2025.
Long Islanders are urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites by repellent, removing standing water from their homes — which can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes — and wearing loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.
Prepping for the Air Show ... Fourth of July weather ... Safety on the water ... Take a lobster roll flight
Prepping for the Air Show ... Fourth of July weather ... Safety on the water ... Take a lobster roll flight
