Suffolk County health officials have reported the county’s first human case of West Nile virus this season, along with dozens of additional mosquito samples that tested positive for the virus.
The human case involves a person older than 50 who lives in the Town of Brookhaven, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. The person began experiencing symptoms consistent with West Nile virus at the end of July and was not hospitalized, the department said.
In a separate release, the department said 31 additional mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus, bringing the season total to 85 positive mosquito samples. The county has also reported three mosquito samples positive for Jamestown Canyon virus.
The latest West Nile-positive mosquito samples were found in communities across Suffolk, including Riverhead, Aquebogue, Southold, Bridgehampton Mount Sinai, Rocky Point, Mastic Beach, North Patchogue, Cold Spring Harbor, Northport, Greenlawn, Dix Hills, Melville, Bay Shore, West Islip, Islip,, Lindenhurst, Smithtown, Sayville, Setauket and Farmingville. Previously, two dead crows found June 24 in Ronkonkoma and one found Aug. 5 in Nesconset tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the health department.
West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most infected people have mild or no symptoms, but some develop fever, headache, body aches, skin rash or swollen lymph glands. More severe illness can include high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, paralysis and, in some cases, death.
People older than 50 and those with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe infection, health officials said.
The county urged residents to take precautions against mosquito bites during mosquito season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 1. Residents who experience symptoms are advised to contact their health care provider. There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, though patients may receive supportive care as needed.
Deceased birds can be a sign of West Nile virus activity. Residents can report a dead bird on their property to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Bureau of Public Health Protection at 631-852-5999 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The department encourages residents to submit a photo of the bird.
Mosquito problems can be reported to the Suffolk County Department of Public Works Division of Vector Control at 631-852-4270.
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