News Release

West Nile Virus detected in Mosquito Sample at the William Floyd Estate

Date: August 5, 2026
Contact: Fire Island National Seashore, 631-515-5557

Patchogue, NY – West Nile Virus has been detected in a mosquito sample for the first time this year at the William Floyd Estate at Mastic Beach in Fire Island National Seashore. 

Reducing exposure to mosquitoes is the best prevention method for mosquito-borne diseases, especially in warmer months when mosquitoes are most abundant. To help prevent getting mosquito-borne illness:

• Wear insect repellents that contain DEET, IR3535, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (Para-menthane-dio); follow label instructions and reapply as needed.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks outdoors when weather permits.
• Treat clothing and gear with products containing permethrin according to manufacturer instructions.
• Use air conditioning and intact window/door screens for buildings or screened tents/mosquito netting while camping or in cabins.
• See the NPS.gov for additional details.

 The mosquitoes were collected on July 25, 2026, from a trap set by Suffolk County as part of its mosquito monitoring program. The program is a collaborative effort between the National Park Service and Suffolk County Department of Health Services – Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory that helps the park assess risk levels and inform public safety alerts and recommendations. Park staff collects weekly samples of mosquitoes to test for WNV. WNV was last detected within national seashore lands in August 2025 and has been detected yearly since 2023. 

For general information on West Nile Virus, please contact your local health department or the CDC, New York State, or Suffolk County WNV websites.