Four new human cases of West Nile virus in Suffolk County were reported today by Suffolk Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott.
All four individuals were over the age of 50, all were hospitalized, and all are recovering, the health department said in a press release late Thursday afternoon.
“The first individual, from the Town of Islip, began experiencing symptoms consistent with West Nile virus in late July and is recovering at home. The second individual, from the Town of Brookhaven, began experiencing symptoms in late July and is recovering at a rehabilitation facility. The third individual, from the Town of Babylon, began experiencing symptoms in early August and remains in the hospital. The fourth individual, from the Town of Brookhaven, began experiencing symptoms in early August and is recovering at home,” the press release said.
To date this year, Suffolk County has reported five cases of West Nile virus. The first case was reported on Aug. 7.
“It is unusual for us to be reporting this many cases of West Nile virus this early in the season,” Pigott said in the release. “As there are still several weeks left in the season, we urge people older than 50 and others who are at higher risk of having severe symptoms to seek medical attention promptly if they experience any of the symptoms associated with West Nile virus.”
According to the health department, mild symptoms of West Nile virus 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, the health department said in the release. 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, according to the press release.
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, the health department said. Suffolk County’s first case of West Nile virus was reported in 2001. Last year, the county reported five cases, and in 2022, the county reported 11 cases.
According to Scott Campbell, chief of Suffolk County’s Arthropod-borne Disease Laboratory, early reporting of an abundant number of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus may be a cause of concern. In 2010, a year in which the county reported 295 positive mosquito samples beginning in early July (the greatest number found in a single season) the county also reported 25 cases of West Nile virus, including three deaths attributable to the virus. Since 2001, nine people have died from West Nile virus.
“Though we have reported large numbers of positive mosquitoes early this season, the recent heavy rain may be enough to disrupt the cycle, as the heavy rain would have washed many mosquitoes and their larvae away,” Campbell said in the health department’s press release.
The health department urges residents to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes during mosquito season, which extends from June 1 through Nov. 1. To avoid mosquito bites, the heath department advises residents to 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.
When using a repellent containing DEET, always follow label instructions. Consult a healthcare provider before using insect repellent on young children, the health department said.
For information about West Nile virus, including local data regarding infected mosquitoes andWest 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.
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