Suffolk County Commissioner of
Health Services Dr. James Tomarken today reported two new cases of West Nile
virus in Suffolk County.
One resident, who is under the
age of 50 and resides in the Town of Islip, was hospitalized with symptoms
consistent with West Nile virus disease in late September and was later
released.
Another resident, who is over 50
years of age and also resides in the Town of Islip, was admitted to a local
hospital in late September after experiencing symptoms consistent with West
Nile virus. That patient remains in the hospital.
To date this year, the Suffolk County
has reported five cases of West Nile virus, including three cases that were
reported in early October: one from the Town of Brookhaven, one from the Town
of Islip and one from the Town of Smithtown. All three were admitted to local
hospitals and later released.
West Nile virus is transmitted to
humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is estimated that 20 percent of
those who become infected will develop clinically noticeable symptoms of West
Nile virus disease.
Mosquito season extends from
June 1 through November 1 in New York.
Individuals who have medical
questions related to West Nile virus may call the Department of Health
Services: 631-854-0333.
To learn how to stop mosquitoes from breeding in your yard,
view the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T6AYyVoUdo
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