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Department of
Public Works

Charles J. Bartha, P.E.

Commissioner

Michael J. Monaghan, P.E.

Chief Deputy Commissioner

Leslie A. Mitchel

Deputy Commissioner

Darnell Tyson, P.E.

Deputy Commissioner
Address:

 335 Yaphank Avenue
Yaphank, NY 11980


 (631) 852-4010
FAX: (631) 852-4150
public.works@suffolkcountyny.gov

Our Mission

The Department of Public Works constructs, maintains and operates county properties and designs, constructs and maintains county roads, sewerage systems, buildings and other facilities, such as waterways, bridges, docks and marinas. In addition, the department is responsible for the operation of the Suffolk County Transit System as well as controlling mosquitoes that transmit disease and impact the enjoyment of outdoor activities.

Employment Opportunities

Events

Six Mosquito Samples Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Residents advised to take precautions

Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott announced today that 6 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. All of the positive samples were of the Culex pipiens-restuans species. They were collected from August 13 through August 19 from Melville (1), Bay Shore (1), Northport (1), Commack (1), Bohemia (1), and Holtsville (1).

To date this year, 54 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus and one sample tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus.

West Nile virus, first detected in birds and mosquito samples in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year thereafter, is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Suffolk County reported 11 cases of West Nile virus in 2022 and 8 in 2021. Nine people have died from West Nile virus since 2000. More information about West Nile virus in Suffolk County can be found on our website: https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Public-Health/Preventive-Services/Arthropod-borne-Diseases/Mosquitoes

Most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, but some can develop severe symptoms including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis. The symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.

Individuals, especially those 50 years or older or those with compromised immune systems, are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Jamestown Canyon virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Fever, headache and fatigue are common symptoms of Jamestown Canyon virus. Symptoms of severe disease may include stiff neck, confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, or seizures. There are no vaccines to prevent the virus. The treatment is supportive care.

Though Suffolk County has no reported cases of Jamestown Canyon virus, this virus has been isolated in mosquito samples in 2008, 2017 and 2022. Residents are advised to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. More information on Jamestown Canyon virus can be found on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/jamestown-canyon/index.html

“The finding of Jamestown Canyon virus or West Nile virus in mosquito samples indicates the presence of that virus in the area,” said Dr. Pigott. “While there is no cause for alarm, we advise residents to take precautions and cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce exposure to mosquito-borne diseases.”

Dr. Pigott offers the following tips to avoid mosquito bites:

  • Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
  • Wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when mosquitoes are active.
  • Use mosquito repellent, following label directions carefully.
  • Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.
  • Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs inside and outside of your home. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out containers that hold water, such as vases, pet water bowls, flowerpot saucers, discarded tires, buckets, pool covers, birdbaths, trash cans and rain barrels.
  • Download a copy of Suffolk County’s informational brochure “Get the Buzz on Mosquito Protection,” available in English and Spanish, and share it with your community.

Dead birds may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds, call the Bureau of Public Health Protection at 631-852-5999 from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents are encouraged to take a photograph of any bird in question.

To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.

For further information on West Nile virus, visit the Department of Health Services’ website.

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Programs and Services

Forge River Project

The Forge River Watershed Sewer Project is one of the five projects included in the Suffolk County Coastal Resiliency Initiative. The project proposes to connect parcels in the Mastic Shirley area to a new sewer collection system that will flow to a new wastewater treatment plant and also to establish the Mastic-Shirley Sewer District.

Reclaim Our Water

Through the Suffolk County’s Septic Improvement Program Suffolk County residents may be eligible for combined State and County grants to install an Innovative and Alternative Nitrogen Removal Septic System.

Sewer District No. 3 Expansion Feasibility Study

The Suffolk County Sewer District No.3 - Southwest Expansion Project (CP 8139) conducted a Feasibility Study to identify the sanitary sewage collection and treatment infrastructure needs for six communities -- Deer Park, North Babylon, West Babylon, Wyandanch, Wheatley Heights and West Islip – to be serviced by Suffolk County Sewer District #3.

Suffolk County Space Management

The Suffolk County Space Management Steering Committee was established to oversee the allocation and utilization of space resources within the county. The committee is responsible for making decisions regarding space usage, including the acquisition or renewal of leases for county facilities, as well as planning for future spatial needs.

Corridor Study of County Road 39

The Corridor Study of County Road 39 seeks to develop, evaluate, and identify the long-term roadway and transportation system improvements aimed at reducing traffic congestion, minimizing local detours, and improving safety along County Road 39 and its surrounding corridors. This study will balance the need of local communities, employment trends, zoning and future developments.

Suffolk County Government

H. Lee Dennison Bldg

100 Veterans Memorial Hwy
P.O. Box 6100
Hauppauge, NY 11788

Riverhead County Center

County Road 51
Riverhead, NY 11901