September 17, 2012
Third Human Case of West Nile Virus
Great River, NY – Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services James L. Tomarken said today that the New York State Department of Health has confirmed a human case of West Nile virus, the third human case in Suffolk County this year. The individual, who is over 55 years of age and from the Town of Islip, was hospitalized in August with symptoms consistent with West Nile virus. The patient is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
In August, the health department reported the first two confirmed cases of West Nile virus, one a Town of Babylon resident who is under 55 years of age and another a Huntington resident who is over 55 years of age. Both had been hospitalized and have since recovered.
The department is awaiting the results from the New York State Department of Health on four additional cases that are currently being considered as probable cases of West Nile virus.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause serious illness and, in some cases, death. It is estimated that 20 percent of those who become infected will develop clinically noticeable symptoms of West Nile virus disease. Mild symptoms include fever, headache and body aches, and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. Residents who experience any of these symptoms are advised to visit their health care providers.
Dr. Tomarken asks residents to continue to reduce the mosquito population around homes by eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
The county offers an informative bulletin entitled “Mosquitoes and Mosquito-borne Illnesses,” that contains tips on personal protection and repellents. To download the brochure, visit: http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Portals/0/Documents%20and%20Forms/Health%20Services/Seasonal/Mosquito%20Brochure.pdf
To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.
For medical questions related to West Nile virus, call 631-854-0333. This is a new number.