Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott today reported five new cases of West Nile virus. All five cases were over the age of 50. To date this year, Suffolk County has reported 16 cases of West Nile virus.
A resident from the Town of Islip was hospitalized with symptoms of West Nile virus in late August and remains hospitalized.
A resident from the Town of Smithtown was hospitalized with symptoms of West Nile virus in early September and is recovering in a rehabilitation facility.
Two residents from the Town of Brookhaven experienced symptoms of West Nile virus, one in mid-August and the other in early September. Neither was hospitalized and both have recovered.
Another individual from the Town of Brookhaven was hospitalized with symptoms of West Nile virus in early September and is recovering at home.
Suffolk County this year has reported six cases from the Town of Islip, seven from the Town of Brookhaven, and one each from the towns of Huntington, Babylon, and Smithtown. All but two cases were over the age of 50. The first case was reported on August 7.
To date this year, Suffolk County has confirmed the second highest number of cases of West Nile virus in a single year since the county began reporting cases in 2000. The highest number of cases was reported in 2010, when the county confirmed 25 cases, which included three deaths from the virus.
“As 2024 has been a year in which we have been reporting high numbers of positive mosquito samples and a larger than normal number human cases of West Nile virus, we are urging residents to seek prompt medical attention if they experience fever, headache and body aches after recent mosquito bites,” said Dr. Pigott. “We also remind medical providers to consider West Nile virus as a diagnosis.”
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. 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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