West Nile virus

County health officials have confirmed West Nile Virus in nine mosquito samples in Suffolk so far this year. Health officials urge residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, which can transmit the virus.

Long Island is now considered "ground zero" for Lyme disease and once-exotic viruses and other infections are gaining a growing foothold. How goes our struggle against these vectors and the costly and deadly illness they bring with their bites? In two understated words: not well.

Most cases of West Nile produce mild symptoms and many probably go unreported, Dr. James Tomarken said.

The Southold sample was the first positive mosquito sample reported by the Suffolk County health department this summer.

This finding doesn’t indicate an increased human risk for West Nile virus, the county health commissioner said, but the agency is increasing surveillance in the area.

Suffolk County vector control continues aerial larvicide applications to control mosquitoes in salt marshes across the county today and tomorrow, including locations in Southold and Riverhead towns.

Suffolk County health officials are advising three parks to suspend all activities between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. due to the presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes. The virus also turned up in 17 other locations across the county.

After announcing Friday that 19 mosquito pools had tested positive for West Nile Virus a week ago, the county has scheduled targeted aerial spraying for at least 15 locations, including three on the North Fork, Aug. 9 and 10.

Local health officials are warning residents to eliminate all standing water around their homes.

There was one confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Suffolk County this year, Suffolk health commissioner announced Dec. 12: a senior in the Town of Islip was hospitalized in late August and has since recovered.