Suffolk County has many environments where mosquitoes can thrive, including marshes, wooded neighborhoods, storm drains, low-lying yards, ponds, and coastal communities. New York State reported confirmed West Nile virus in mosquito pools in Suffolk County during the 2026 season, along with detections in Nassau and Rockland counties.
West Nile virus is primarily spread by infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, and they can later transmit the virus when they bite people, horses, dogs, cats, or other animals. The virus is not usually spread through normal person-to-person or pet-to-person contact. People and most mammals are considered dead-end hosts because they generally do not pass the virus back to biting mosquitoes.
In Suffolk County, risk can increase around containers, birdbaths, gutters, pool covers, boats, tarps, drainage ditches, wetlands, and other areas where water collects. Outdoor evening activity can also increase exposure because many mosquitoes are most active around dusk and dawn.
Most people infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms. Those who do may experience fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe disease can affect the brain or spinal cord and may cause meningitis, encephalitis, tremors, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis, coma, or death. Risk of severe illness is higher in older adults and people with certain medical conditions.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for West Nile virus disease in people. Mild cases are managed with supportive care, while serious infections may require hospitalization, respiratory support, IV fluids, and treatment for complications.
Pets can be exposed by mosquito bites, although dogs and cats rarely develop serious illness. Horses are more susceptible to severe disease and should be protected according to veterinary recommendations. Any animal showing weakness, stumbling, tremors, fever, or unusual neurologic signs should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
For Suffolk County residents, reducing standing water and preventing mosquito bites are the most important steps for protecting families, pets, and outdoor spaces during mosquito season.
