1st Human Case Of West Nile Virus Reported In Suffolk: Health Dept.

ISLIP, NY — An Islip resident has been confirmed to have Suffolk County's first human case of West Nile Virus for the 2024 season, the Suffolk County Department of Health announced Wednesday.

The patient is in their 50s and started to experience symptoms on July 18. The person was eventually hospitalized, released in late July and is now recovering at home, officials said.

“This case has been confirmed very early in the season, and as there are still many weeks of mosquito activity left this season, we urge people older than 50 and others who are at higher risk of having severe symptoms to seek medical attention early if they experience any of the symptoms associated with West Nile virus," said Suffolk County Heath Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott.

The diagnosis comes shortly after close to 100 mosquito samples—and three birds—tested positive for the virus in various towns around Suffolk County.

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.

According to the Department of Health, the number of mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk County varies each year, ranging from 8 positive mosquito samples in 2004 with no reported human cases of West Nile virus to 295 positive mosquito samples in 2010 with 25 human cases reported.

In 2023, Suffolk County reported 99 positive mosquito samples and 5 human cases; in 2022, 96 positive mosquito samples and 11 human cases, and in 2021, 111 positive mosquito samples and 8 human cases.

According to officials, around 20 percent of those who become infected will develop clinically noticeable symptoms of West Nile virus disease. Symptoms may include fever, headache and body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands. 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, officials said.

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

Dr. Pigott offered the following tips to avoid mosquito bites:

• Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
• Wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when mosquitoes are active.
• Use mosquito repellent, following label directions carefully.
• Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.
• Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs inside and outside of your home.
• Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out containers that hold water, such as vases, pet water bowls, flowerpot saucers, discarded tires, buckets, pool covers, birdbaths, trash cans and rain barrels.

Dead birds may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds, call the Bureau of Public Health Protection at 631-852-5999 from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents are encouraged to take a photograph of any bird in question.

To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.