Islip Town Supervisor, Angie Carpenter and members of the Town Board want to remind residents of the importance of following simple household tips for reducing the spread of West Nile Virus, and most recently to our area, Dengue viruses. The CDC recently reported that there are currently 16 cases of dengue viruses on Long Island. Dengue viruses, 1,2,3,4, are spread to people through mosquito bites. A person can be infected with dengue multiple times in their life.

“With summer weather upon us, and the arrival of dengue viruses on Long Island, we are urging residents follow a few simple but effective practices to reduce conditions that breed mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses in our yards and neighborhoods,” said Islip Town Supervisor, Angie Carpenter.

According to the CDC, each year, up to 400 million people are infected by dengue viruses. The most common symptom of dengue is fever with any of the following: Aches and pains (eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain) nausea, vomiting and rash. Much like mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus, dengue viruses-carrying mosquitoes typically lay eggs in containers that hold water, like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flowerpots, and vases. These mosquitoes prefer to bite people, and live both indoors and outdoors near people.

Please see the link here https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/about/index.html . Dengue viruses are mainly spread to people by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. As a reminder, please follow the tips below to prevent mosquito borne illness, including West Nile Virus in your yard and surrounding neighborhood. https://islipny.gov/news/announcements/1278-health-officials-report-two-mosquito-samples-have-tested-positive-for-west-nile-virus?highlight=WyJ0aXBzIl0=