West Nile Virus Discovered on Long Island

The sample came from Gardiner County Park in Islip

Health officials say the West Nile virus has been found on Long Island for the first time this season.

Authorities tell Newsday that a mosquito sample taken from Gardiner County Park in Islip on June 20 and a dead crow found in Northport on June 27 tested positive for the virus. 

In neighboring Nassau County, no positive samplings have been found so far.

Last year, four Suffolk residents were reported infected with the disease. In Nassau there were 16 confirmed cases, including a 70-year-old man who died.   

Health officials advise residents to remove stagnant water where mosquitoes breed. Mosquitoes transmit the disease.     

The West Nile virus is mild for most people, but can be deadly for others with weak immune systems.

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