The West Nile virus is mild for most people although, it can significantly affect people who have weak immune system. The virus can cause illness, including fever, muscle aches and nausea. Mosquitoes serve as an active agent to pass on the disease.

Therefore, the health officials on Long Island have made a decision to close the Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown at 6pm daily and will be reopened at 8am as a mosquito was tested positive for the West Nile virus there.

In addition, there are plans to spray pesticide along Main and Winter streets as well as Hilldale Avenue as far as the Interstate 495 overpass. While commenting on the move, Mayor James Fiorentini has notified that a mosquito in Haverhill was tested positive for West Nile virus and stimulated the authorities for spraying. Further, he notified that the Northeast Mosquito Control Program has also recommended spraying.

"Because there has been a mosquito in Haverhill that tested positive for the West Nile virus, experts recommend that we spray the non-toxic solution, which is not harmful to humans, in the area where the mosquito was identified. Public safety is my concern and I want to do everything I can to protect our citizens”, added Fiorentini.