Suffolk County Health

05/31/2026

05/30/2026

Lone Star ticks are most active in spring and summer. Always check yourself for ticks frequently while outdoors and once back inside, especially after being in wooded areas or areas with tall grass.

Lone star tick bites can trigger alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), also known as the red meat allergy. People with AGS can have an allergic reaction after eating red meat or other animal products like milk and gelatin. Symptoms include rash, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Consult a healthcare provider if you think you may have AGS.

05/29/2026

Expectant parents often receive a lot of unsolicited advice for the pregnancy and postpartum period, but members of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services are offering a free event to provide the important information parents absolutely need.

The SCDHS Office of Minority Health is hosting a Baby Shower and Beyond Program at the South Country Library in Bellport on June 17 at 6 p.m. Parents will learn about the importance of safe sleep, nutrition for parents and children and what to expect before and after birth.

Of course it’s not a baby shower without gifts. Attendees will receive free baby supplies!

For more information or to register, call the Office of Minority Health at 631-854-0378 or email [email protected].

05/28/2026

Members of Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) are often out and about sharing potentially life-saving information in Suffolk County.

Recently, Office of Minority Health Director Adesuwa Watson was invited to teach infant Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) at the Stony Brook Medicine Baby Shower event in Bellport. Additional members of SCDHS also joined the group to provide information on services available from the department. The program also included education on prenatal & postpartum care, safe sleep and breastfeeding.

Members of SCDHS are hosting another Baby Shower program in Bellport on June 17 at 6 p.m. For information and to register, call 631-854-0378 or email [email protected].

05/27/2026

Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus, which can cause severe illness in some people.

Currently, the risk of exposure is low but it’s still important to prevent mosquito bites! Consider using an EPA-registered insect repellent while outside.

05/26/2026

🚨 New York Blood Center Declares Blood Emergency 🚨

The blood supply has dropped to less than two days. May blood donations are down 15% and compounded by the Memorial Day holiday. All blood types are needed, especially A-, B-, and type O, the most critical blood type used in emergency care.

Every donation can help save multiple lives. Please don't wait to give. Schedule your donation today ➡️ https://bit.ly/4fB4pH2

05/26/2026

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services is advising that Scott’s Beach, located in Sound Beach, is closed to bathing due to findings of bacterial levels exceeding acceptable criteria.

Swimming in bacteria-contaminated water can result in several illnesses. The beach will reopen when further testing reveals that the bacteria have subsided to acceptable levels.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach hotline at 631-852-5822 or contact the SCDHS Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 during business hours.

05/26/2026

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services is reminding teens that depression can happen at any age.

Being a teenager can be tough, but if you find yourself feeling hopeless or sad on a regular basis, it’s possible that you suffer from depression. Signs of teen depression include:

· Feeling sad, anxious or worthless.
· Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed.
· Withdrawal or pulling away from friends or loved ones.
· Changes to eating or sleeping habits.
· Thoughts of su***de or self-harm.

It’s important to remember that help is available. If you have one or more of these symptoms, speak with a trusted adult. To reach the Su***de and Crisis Lifeline, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

For the Suffolk County Directory of Behavioral Health Services website, visit suffolkcountyny.gov/health/bhs.

05/24/2026

Spring is here, and so are ticks and fleas! Keep your pets safe with these simple steps:

• Consider using veterinarian-approved tick and flea treatments.
• Check pets daily: After being outdoors, inspect your pets for ticks and fleas.
• Groom regularly: Bathe and brush your pets to remove any ticks or fleas.
• Limit exposure: Avoid areas with tall grass and dense vegetation where ticks thrive.
• Maintain your yard: Keep your yard clean and free from debris to reduce flea habitats.