NPS - National Park Service

10/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/30/2024 13:00

Mosquito Monitoring Concludes for 2024 Season

Date:
October 30, 2024
Contact:Fire Island National Seashore

Patchogue, NY - After three weeks of negative test results for mosquito-borne diseases at several sites across Fire Island and the William Floyd Estate, National Park Service (NPS) staff has concluded mosquito monitoring for the 2024 season. The seasonal change in temperature and weeks of dry conditions have caused populations of adult mosquitoes that can potentially transmit disease to drastically drop in number. The final samples were taken from field sites on October 26, 2024.

The 2024 season saw several detections of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes trapped between August and September at Watch Hill and the Carrington Tract, which is located between the communities of Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove. The West Nile Virus level at the Seashore during this period was the highest level since the NPS began monitoring under the current protocol in 2001. During this period, the NPS increased monitoring and alerted the public by issuing news releases, cautionary website alerts, social media posts, and by placing signage at sites.

Mosquito traps are set by the Seashore as part of the Mosquito Management Program; a collaborative effort between the National Park Service and Suffolk County Department of Health Services - Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory. The mosquito monitoring program helps the Seashore assess risk levels and select actions for public safety.  

During the seasonal monitoring period, the National Park Service works closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Suffolk County Department of Health Services - Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory, Suffolk County Vector Control, and local Fire Island and Long Island municipalities to determine the best course of action to protect residents, visitors, and employees of the Seashore.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. During the late spring to late fall, visitors to Fire Island should take precautions to reduce exposure to the virus by avoiding areas with high densities of mosquitoes. If contact with mosquitoes is unavoidable, it is advisable to minimize outdoor activities when mosquitoes are active, wear protective clothing (long sleeved shirts, socks, and long pants) and use effective insect repellent, such as one containing at least 30% DEET. People most at risk of becoming ill are those over 60 years of age or whose health is impaired.   

West Nile Virus was first confirmed in New York State in 1999 and is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. During the late spring to late fall, visitors to Fire Island should take precautions to reduce exposure to the virus.  For general information on West Nile Virus, please contact your local health department or the CDC, New York State, or Suffolk County WNV websites. If you have information or questions for the park, please  e-mail us.