HAUPPAUGE - The New York State Department of Health has notified Suffolk County that three additional mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. All samples were collected between August 13 and 14.

West Nile virus positive mosquito samples were found the townships of Huntington, Smithtown and Riverhead.  To date NYSDOH has confirmed a total of 29 West Nile virus positive mosquito samples in Suffolk County so far this year.  In addition, a total of 43 birds have tested positive for West Nile virus in the county this year.  As already noted, a mosquito sample collected early this month in Riverhead tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus.  It is expected that results of testing with respect to the first suspected case of human West Nile virus infection will not be received before the end of the month.

Keeping in mind that the mosquito season does not end until November, County Health Commissioner Dr. Humayun Chaudhry is asking the public to continue to be vigilant with regard to eliminating any standing water on their property in an attempt to get rid of the places where mosquitoes breed.

“Mosquitoes can breed in any standing water that lasts more than four days," said Dr. Chaudhry.  "Weeds, tall grass and shrubbery provide an ideal home for adult mosquitoes."  Dr. Chaudhry is reminding residents to keep shrubs and grass trimmed. “While it is impossible to totally eliminate all breeding sites residents can greatly assist us by controlling the mosquito population on their own property,” he said.