Suffolk County Reports a Second Death Associated with West Nile Virus
Another individual with West Nile virus is recovering
Three new mosquito samples test positive for West Nile
virus
Suffolk
County Commissioner of Health Dr. James Tomarken reported today that New York
State has confirmed that an adult who died last month has tested positive for
West Nile virus.
The
Town of Brookhaven resident, who was over the age of 50, began experiencing
symptoms associated with West Nile virus late in August, was subsequently hospitalized,
and died in mid-September. The individual was not known to have any underlying
health conditions.
“I
extend my sincere condolences to the individual’s family,” said Dr. Tomarken.
New
York State has also confirmed West Nile virus in an individual who is under the
age of 50 and resides in the Town of Babylon. The individual became ill with symptoms
consistent with West Nile virus in mid- September, was subsequently
hospitalized, and is presently recovering at home.
To
date this year, Suffolk County has reported two deaths associated with West
Nile virus in Suffolk County among a total of six confirmed cases. Of the six
cases, two resided in the Town of Brookhaven, two in the Town of Smithtown, one
in the Town of Islip and one in the Town of Babylon.
The
number of human cases of West Nile virus varies each year. Suffolk County
reported five human cases of West Nile virus in both 2015 and 2016, one case in
2014, and four cases in both 2011 and 2013. Comparatively, the county reported
14 human cases in 2012 and 25 in 2010, the year in which the virus claimed
three lives. Prior to 2010, the virus claimed two lives in Suffolk County in
both 2002 and 2003.
West
Nile virus, first detected in birds and mosquito samples in Suffolk County in
1999 and again each year thereafter, is transmitted to humans by the bite of an
infected mosquito. The Department of Health Services, in an effort to obtain a
more accurate picture of the true incidence and distribution of arthropod-borne
disease in the county, conducts surveillance and reports the results to the
public. Today, the county reports three new mosquito samples have tested
positive for West Nile virus. The samples collected on September 26 from
Lindenhurst (1) were of the Culex pipiens-restuans species, and from Islip (1)
and East Hampton (1) were of the Culex salinarius species. No mosquito samples
tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis this week.
To
date this year, 122 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus
and four samples have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus
(EEE). No horses have tested positive for mosquito-borne illness in Suffolk
County to date this year.
According
to Dr. Tomarken, approximately 20 percent of people who become infected with
West Nile virus 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 are treated with supportive therapy as needed.
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. These individuals
are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes during
mosquito season, which extends from June 1 through November 1.
Among
the recommendations: 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.
Individuals
who have medical questions related to West Nile virus may call the Department
of Health Services: 631-854-0333.
To
report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of
Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.
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