Suffolk County today reported two new confirmed cases of West Nile virus.
One individual from the Town of Babylon who is over the age of 50 experienced symptoms consistent with West Nile virus in mid-August and is currently recovering at home. Another person from the Town of Huntington who is also over the age of 50, experienced symptoms consistent with West Nile virus in late August, was hospitalized and is currently recuperating at a rehabilitation facility.
Suffolk County has confirmed three cases of West Nile virus this year. The first, a resident from the Town of Huntington who is under 50 years of age, was reported on September 5.
Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said, “West Nile virus can be debilitating, which is why we never let our guard down. We wish a speedy recovery to the persons who were infected.”
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. 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. While there is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, patients may be offered supportive therapy as needed.
Individuals who are most at risk of severe infection include those over 50 years of age and those with chronic illness or compromised immune systems. 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.
Suffolk County’s first case of West Nile virus was reported in 2001. Last year, the county reported 21 cases of the virus, and in 2023, five cases.
Dr. Pigott also announced today that 16 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquito samples were collected in Huntington Station (1), Northport (3), Dix Hills (2), Lindenhurst (2), Melville (1), Smithtown (1), Rocky Point (1), Farmingville (1), Riverhead (1), East Hampton (1), Holtsville (1), North Patchogue (1). The samples, all Culex Pipiens-restuans, were collected on Aug. 26 and 27, 2025.
To date this season, 127 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, and four mosquito samples have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus. One bird has tested positive for West Nile virus this 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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