Town Of Smithtown Resident Diagnosed With West Nile Virus

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN, NY — A new case of West Nile virus was reported Friday, Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott announced.

A Town of Smithtown resident was hospitalized in August after experiencing symptoms of West Nile virus. The resident, who is over the age of 50, is currently recovering at home, Pigott said.

Suffolk County has reported 20 cases of West Nile virus in 2024 so far. The first case was reported on Aug. 7.

Six cases were from the Town of Islip, nine from the Town of Brookhaven, three from the Town of Smithtown, and one each from the towns of Huntington and Babylon. All but two cases were over the age of 50.

Health officials also report that one new mosquito sample tested positive for West Nile virus, bringing this year’s total number of positive mosquito samples to 235, the second highest number of samples testing positive in a single year. In 2010, the county reported 295 positive mosquito samples.

This year, Suffolk County has confirmed the second highest number of cases of West Nile virus in a single year since the county began reporting cases in 2000. The highest number of cases was reported in 2010, when health officials confirmed 25 cases, which included three deaths from the virus.

"We will continue conducting surveillance for mosquitoes that may be carrying viruses, and we ask that residents continue taking precautions against mosquito bites until the temperatures get colder and mosquitoes become dormant," Pigott said in a news release. "Autumn is a good time to clean your yards, fix the screens, and prepare for next year, when mosquitoes will be biting again."

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. Residents who experience symptoms are advised to visit their healthcare providers. 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.

To avoid mosquito bites, the county recommended people 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.

People can visit the Suffolk County website for more information about West Nile virus, including local data regarding infected mosquitoes and West Nile virus cases.

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