Another 14 mosquito samples collected from Suffolk County earlier this month tested positive for West Nile virus, county health officials said on Friday.

The samples were taken on August 17 and 18, Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr Gregson Pigott said.

Four samples from Northport tested positive for the virus, as well as two samples collected at Bay Shore, Pigott said in a statement. A sample taken from Huntington, Huntington Station, West Babylon, Lindenhurst, Nesconset, West Islip, Setauket and Aquebogue tested positive, he said.

In addition, two birds, one collected Aug. 20 from Centereach and the other Wednesday from Miller Place, tested positive, he said.

A total of 71 mosquito samples and four birds have tested positive this season, Pigott said.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites and can cause serious symptoms such as muscle weakness, vision loss and neurological problems, which in some people are permanent.

The county health department said people aged 50 and over or with weakened immune systems can become seriously ill, while most people who contract the virus have mild or no symptoms.

Suffolk officials said residents can report mosquito problems or standing puddles by calling the county’s vector control division at 631-852-4270.

Anyone who sees a dead bird – which could indicate the presence of West Nile virus – should photograph the bird and contact the Suffolk Public Health Protection Office at 631-852-5999 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday see you on Friday.