November 26, 2012
Sixth Human Case of West Nile Virus
Great River, NY – Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services James L. Tomarken confirmed today a sixth human case of West Nile virus in Suffolk County this year. The individual, who is over 50 years of age, resides in Brookhaven. The patient was ill at the end of August, but was never hospitalized, and has fully recovered.
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services previously reported five confirmed cases of West Nile virus: one an Islip resident over 55 years of age; two Town of Babylon residents under 55 years of age; a Huntington resident who is over 55 years of age; and a Brookhaven resident under 55 years of age. All are in various stages of recovery.
The department is awaiting the results from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) on eight additional cases that are currently being considered as probable cases of West Nile virus.
As previously reported, a horse from East Hampton tested positive for West Nile virus in September and has since recovered. It is the only confirmed case of West Nile virus in a horse in Suffolk County this year.
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.
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
For medical questions related to West Nile virus, call 631-854-0333. This is a new number.