Human West Nile Case Confirmed in Babylon Town

 now has one human confirmed case of West Nile virus.

The Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services Dr. James L. Tomarken made the announcement on Monday afternoon, indicating this is the first confirmed case of the virus in Suffolk County this year.

It was confirmed, according to health officials, by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). 

SCDHS officials described the person who contracted the virus in a release as an adult who's younger than 55 years of age and from the Town of Babylon.

This person, officials said, experienced fever, headache, muscles aches and a stiff neck. The individual was hospitalized for four days, beginning on July 30, and has since recovered, they noted.

Due to privacy laws, the SCDHS isn't able to provide more specifics about the individual or exactly where in Babylon Town is.

Meanwhile, Suffolk health officials said the NYSDOH is also investigating another human case that's being considered as probable for West Nile virus.

The individual was hospitalized for several days in July and has fully recovered. Confirmation of the virus will be dependent on the results of further testing, officials noted.

No other details about that individual were released.

Uptick in West Nile
This news comes on the heels of what the SCDHS sees as a  in the amount of mosquito samples testing positive this year for West Nile.

To date this year 125 mosquito samples and 13 birds have tested positive for the virus, in addition to the confirmed human case in Babylon Town and the one being investigated as probable for the virus.

Of those 125 samples that span the County,  has had four  so far, and nearby   has had 16 to date.

marked the first time the County has sprayed Lindenhurst and the surrounding area, and now another aerial pesticide (resmethrin, aka scourge) has been scheduled August 8 for Babylon, West Babylon, North Babylon, West Islip and West Bay Shore.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. It could cause serious illness and, in some cases, death.

It's estimated 20 percent of those who become infected will develop clinically noticeable symptoms of West Nile virus disease. Mild symptoms include fever, headache and body aches, and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands.

Residents who experience any of these symptoms are advised by health officials to visit their health care providers.

Prevention and Information
To lower the likelihood of contracting the virus and reduce the mosquito population around homes, Dr. Tomarken has asked residents to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

In addition, Suffolk County offers an informative bulletin entitled Mosquitoes and Mosquito-borne Illnesses, which contains tips on personal protection and repellents. Click here to download the brochure.

Dead birds found on area properties might also indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds, call the  in Suffolk County at 631-787-2200 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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

For medical questions related to West Nile virus, call 631-853-3055.

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