Suffolk County Reports One New Case of West Nile Virus

Health officials advise dumping water and scrubbing containers

Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott today reported a new case of West Nile virus. An individual from the Town of Huntington became ill with symptoms of West Nile virus and was hospitalized in November. The patient, who is under the age of 50, is currently recovering at home.

To date this year, Suffolk County has reported 21 cases of West Nile virus. The first case was reported on August 7. Six cases were from the Town of Islip, nine from the Town of Brookhaven, three from the Town of Smithtown, two from the Town of Huntington and one from the town of Babylon. All but three cases were over the age of 50.

This year the 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 health officials confirmed 25 cases, which included three deaths from the virus.

“The warmer than normal fall with little rainfall might account for West Nile virus activity in November,” said Dr. Pigott “Now is a good time to prepare for next year. Many species of mosquitoes overwinter as eggs on the sides of water-filled containers, so we recommend scrubbing birdbaths and buckets to prevent eggs from hatching in the spring when mosquitoes will start biting again.”

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.

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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