Suffolk's 5 New West Nile Cases Bring Total To 16, 2nd Highest Since 2000

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County health officials reported five new cases of West Nile virus on Friday, bringing the number of cases to 16 — the second highest number of cases in a single year since the county began reporting cases in 2000.

All five of the cases involve people over the age of 50, officials said.

Two residents from the Town of Brookhaven experienced symptoms of West Nile virus, one in mid-August and the other in early September, but neither was hospitalized and both have recovered, officials said, adding that another person from the town was hospitalized with symptoms of the virus in early September and is recovering at home.

A resident from the Town of Islip was hospitalized with symptoms of the virus in late August and remains hospitalized, while a resident from the Town of Smithtown was hospitalized with symptoms of the virus in early September and is recovering in a rehabilitation facility, officials said.

The town of Brookhaven has had the highest amount of cases at seven, followed by six cases from the Town of Islip, and one each from the towns of Huntington, Babylon, and Smithtown, according to officials.

All but two cases were over the age of 50, officials said, adding that the first case was reported on Aug. 7.

The highest number of cases of the virus was reported in 2010, when the county confirmed 25 cases, which included three deaths from the virus.

Two mosquito samples collected Sept. 17 tested positive for the virus, including one from Watch Hill on Fire Island and Copiague.

So far this season, 229 mosquito samples and five birds have tested positive for the virus and one mosquito sample has tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis virus.

Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott noted that 2024 has been a year in which officials have been reporting high numbers of positive mosquito samples and "a larger than normal number human cases of West Nile virus," so they are urging residents to seek "prompt medical attention" if they experience fever, headache and body aches after recent mosquito bites.

“We also remind medical providers to consider West Nile virus as a diagnosis," he added.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Symptoms of the virus typically occur one to 14 days after a person becomes infected. Mild symptoms 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, and residents who experience symptoms are advised to visit their healthcare providers. The people 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.
Suffolk residents are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes during mosquito season.

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, and 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.

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