West Nile Virus Found In Another Suffolk Resident: Health Department

BROOKHAVEN TOWN, NY — A person in the Town of Brookhaven has contracted the West Nile virus, Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said Monday.

The person, who is over 50 and lives in Brookhaven Town, began experiencing symptoms consistent with West Nile virus in late August, was hospitalized, and is currently recovering at home, according to Pigott.

This summer season Suffolk has reported eight cases of West Nile virus, four from the Town of Islip, three from the Town of Brookhaven, and one from the Town of Babylon, health department officials said, adding that all but one were over the age of 50.

The first case was reported on Aug. 7, according to officials.

West Nile virus was detected in mosquito samples from Fire Island National Seashore last week.

Pigott said health department officials suspect there may be more cases of West Nile virus than reported "because many people who contract the virus may experience mild symptoms and do not seek medical attention.”

“There is no treatment for West Nile virus infection, but supportive care may help decrease the risk for developing complications in severe illness," he said.

West Nile virus, which is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, has symptoms that 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, while 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, so residents who experience symptoms are advised to visit their healthcare providers.

People who are most at risk for severe infection include those over 50, and those with chronic illness or compromised immune systems, officials said, adding that while there is no specific treatment for the 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, 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, including local data regarding infected mosquitoes and West Nile virus cases, click here. To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the county's Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.