2 New Cases Of West Nile Confirmed In Suffolk: Heath Officials

LONG ISLAND, NY — Two new confirmed cases — the second and third cases this year of West Nile virus, which can be fatal, have been found in Suffolk County — the second and third such cases this year, health department officials said Thursday.

The first includes a person from the Town of Babylon, who is over the age of 50 and experienced symptoms consistent with West Nile virus in mid-August and is currently recovering at home.

The other person from the Town of Huntington, also is over the age of 50, and experienced symptoms consistent with West Nile virus, but in late August, and was hospitalized. That person is currently recuperating at a rehabilitation facility.

The first case was a resident from the Town of Huntington who is under 50 years of age, and the case was reported on Sept. 5.

County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said, “West Nile virus can be debilitating, which is why we never let our guard down. We wish a speedy recovery to the persons who were infected.”

Suffolk County’s first case of West Nile virus was reported in 2001. Last year, the county reported 21 cases of the virus, and in 2023, five cases.

Dr. Pigott also announced that 16 mosquito samples have tested positive for the virus.

The mosquito samples were collected in Huntington Station, Northport, Dix Hills, Lindenhurst, Melville, Smithtown, Rocky Point, Farmingville, Riverhead, East Hampton, Holtsville, and North Patchogue. The samples, all Culex Pipiens-restuans, were collected on Aug. 26 and 27.

To date this season, 127 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, and four mosquito samples have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus. One bird has tested positive for West Nile virus this season.

West Nile virus, which can be transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, includes an estimated 20 percent of those who become infected developing clinically noticeable symptoms of West Nile virus disease.

Mild symptoms may include fever, headache and body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands, while more severe symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.

Residents who experience symptoms are advised to visit their healthcare providers, and while there is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, patients may be offered supportive therapy as needed.

People who are most at risk of severe infection include those over 50 years of age and those with chronic illness or compromised immune systems. County residents are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes during mosquito season, which extends from June 1 through Nov. 1.

To avoid mosquito bites, 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.

For information about West Nile virus, including local data regarding infected mosquitoes and West Nile virus cases, click here.