Mount Sinai NY
9-15-2026 1:59pm

Seven More Mosquito Samples Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Suffolk County

Seven More Mosquito Samples Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Suffolk County

Positive samples were collected in six Suffolk communities as health officials urge residents to continue protecting themselves from mosquito bites

By Samantha Vogel | Long Island Daily News
September 15, 2026

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County health officials are urging residents to continue taking precautions against mosquitoes after seven additional samples tested positive for West Nile virus.

The positive mosquitoes were collected Sept. 1 from several locations across the county, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.

The samples were found in Melville, West Islip, Islip, Fire Island Pines, Shelter Island and Cold Spring Harbor. Two of the seven positive samples came from Melville.

The latest findings bring Suffolk County’s total to 127 mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile virus during the 2026 season.

Three mosquito samples have also tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus this season.

West Nile virus has not been limited to mosquitoes. Earlier this year, two dead crows found in Ronkonkoma and a dead blue jay found in Nesconset also tested positive for the virus.

Most importantly for residents, Suffolk County has reported two human cases of West Nile virus this season. One adult lives in the Town of Brookhaven and the other in the Town of Islip.

What Residents Need to Know

West Nile virus is primarily spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Many people who become infected experience no symptoms or only mild illness. However, the virus can cause serious disease in some people.

Possible symptoms can include fever, headache, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness and vision problems. Severe infections can potentially result in paralysis or death.

People 50 and older and those with compromised immune systems should be especially careful about avoiding mosquito bites.

Don’t Put Away the Mosquito Repellent Yet

Although summer is nearing its end, mosquito season isn’t necessarily over.

Residents can reduce their exposure by limiting standing water around their homes and properties. Containers that collect water can provide mosquitoes with places to breed.

Check items such as buckets, flowerpots, children’s outdoor toys, birdbaths, clogged gutters and other areas where water can remain for several days.

Residents should also consider wearing clothing that covers exposed skin when mosquitoes are active and using an appropriate insect repellent according to its directions.

Screens on windows and doors should be kept in good condition to help prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.

Dead Birds Can Help Officials Track the Virus

Dead birds can sometimes provide health officials with an indication that West Nile virus is circulating in an area.

Suffolk County residents who find a dead bird on their property can contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Bureau of Public Health Protection at 631-852-5999, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The county encourages residents reporting a dead bird to provide a photograph when possible.

Mosquito problems can be reported to the Suffolk County Department of Public Works Division of Vector Control at 631-852-4270.

The latest results are another reminder that the risk of mosquito-borne illness does not disappear simply because September has arrived.

Taking a few minutes to eliminate standing water and continuing to protect against mosquito bites can help reduce exposure for individuals, families and their communities.

Long Island Daily News will continue monitoring West Nile virus activity and other public-health developments affecting Nassau and Suffolk residents.

Samantha Vogel
Editor, Long Island Daily News

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