Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott today reported three new cases of West Nile virus.
A resident from the Town of Islip who is under the age of 50, began experiencing symptoms of West Nile virus in mid-August, was hospitalized for six days, and has recovered.
Another individual from the Town of Brookhaven who is over the age of 50, began having symptoms of West Nile virus in late August and is recovering at home. The individual was not hospitalized.
A third individual from the Town of Huntington who is over the age of 50, began experiencing symptoms of West Nile virus in mid-August, and has recovered. The individual was not hospitalized.
To date this year, Suffolk County has reported 11 cases of West Nile virus, five from the Town of Islip, four from the Town of Brookhaven, one from the Town of Huntington, and one from the Town of Babylon. All but two were over the age of 50. The first case was reported on August 7.
“We urge people, especially those who are older or have chronic illness, to seek medical attention as soon as they experience symptoms that may indicate West Nile virus and remind medical providers to consider West Nile virus as a diagnosis in patients who report symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches after recent mosquito bites,” said Dr. Pigott.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of the virus typically occur one to 14 days after a person becomes infected. Mild symptoms may include fever, headache and body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.
West Nile virus can be fatal. Residents who experience symptoms are advised to visit their healthcare providers. Individuals who are most at risk for severe infection include those over 50 years of age and those with chronic illness or compromised immune systems. While there is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, patients may be offered supportive therapy as needed.
Suffolk County residents are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes during mosquito season, which extends from June 1 through November 1. To avoid mosquito bites, use insect repellent containing DEET*, spray clothing with repellent containing permethrin, avoid going outside from dusk to dawn when most mosquitoes are active, wear long sleeves and long pants when nighttime activity is unavoidable, eliminate standing water from flowerpots, clogged gutters, recycle bins, birdbaths, toys, swimming pool and hot tub covers.
For information about West Nile virus, including local data regarding infected mosquitoes and West Nile virus cases, visit https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Public-Health/Preventive-Services/Arthropod-borne-Diseases/Mosquitoes.
To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.
*Follow label instructions. Consult healthcare provider before using insect repellent on young children.
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