Eastern equine encephalitis found in Suffolk mosquito sample, first since 2019

For the first time in five years, a mosquito sample carrying the potentially deadly eastern equine encephalitis virus has been found in Suffolk County, health officials said Friday.

The infected mosquito sample was collected in Connetquot River State Park Preserve in Oakdale on Aug. 28.

The virus has been spreading in the Northeast this summer and infectious disease experts have been warning people to take precautions. A New Hampshire man died last month after contracting the EEE virus and six human cases have been reported in five states, including New Jersey and Massachusetts.

So far, there have been 20 positive mosquito samples and 16 infected horses in New York but no human cases. The last time EEE-positive mosquitoes were found in Suffolk was 2019.

The disease is considered rare but very serious. About 30% of people who are infected and develop severe disease die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Survivors who fall seriously ill often have long-term neurological problems.

The symptoms range from fever, headaches and vomiting to seizures and drowsiness, according to the CDC.

"We don’t want people to be alarmed but rather informed," Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said in a statement. "We will be treating the park for mosquitoes this weekend, and we encourage residents to continue to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes."

Health Department officials said an additional 18 mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus bringing the total in Suffolk County to 215 so far this year. Seven people in Suffolk County have confirmed cases of West Nile virus and are recovering. Three human cases have been reported in Nassau County.

Pigott recommended people remove standing water from their property, which can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and cut down on outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are the most active. Those who must be outside should wear long pants and long sleeves and use mosquito repellent.

By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.