Help Stop The Spread Of West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever: Islip Officials

ISLIP, NY — Twelve cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Suffolk County while 16 cases of dengue fever were also reported on Long Island last week, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

The spread of the mosquito-born illnesses that inflict a range of symptoms on victims inspired Islip officials to ask residents to help prevent the spread of the diseases.

“With summer weather upon us, and the arrival of dengue viruses on Long Island, we are urging residents follow a few simple but effective practices to reduce conditions that breed mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses in our yards and neighborhoods,” said Islip Town Supervisor, Angie Carpenter.

According to the CDC, around 400 million people are infected by dengue viruses annually and people get infected multiple times throughout their life.

Dengue symptoms include a fever with variety of other symptoms, include aches and pains, eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint or bone pain, nausea, vomiting and rash.

Like mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus, dengue viruses-carrying mosquitoes typically lay eggs in containers that hold water, like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flowerpots and vases. These mosquitoes prefer to bite people and live both indoors and outdoors near people, the CDC said.

When it comes to West Nile, the symptoms are similar and it's presence on Long Island has consistent.

According to the Department of Health, the number of mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk County varies each year, ranging from 8 positive mosquito samples in 2004 with no reported human cases of West Nile virus to 295 positive mosquito samples in 2010 with 25 human cases reported. In 2023, Suffolk County reported 99 positive mosquito samples and 5 human cases; in 2022, 96 positive mosquito samples and 11 human cases, and in 2021, 111 positive mosquito samples and 8 human cases.

Most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, but some can develop severe symptoms including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. The symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.

The Department of Health offers the following tips to reduce mosquito present and bites:

• Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
• Wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when mosquitoes are active.
• Use mosquito repellent, following label directions carefully.
• Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.
• Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs inside and outside of your home.
• Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out containers that hold water, such as vases, pet water bowls, flowerpot saucers, discarded tires, buckets, pool covers, birdbaths, trash cans and rain barrels.

Dead birds may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds, call the Bureau of Public Health Protection at 631-852-5999 from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents are encouraged to take a photograph of any bird in question.

To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.