Suffolk County confirms season’s second human West Nile case
The Suffolk County Health Department says the patient is over 50 and resides in the Town of Islip.
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The season’s second human case of West Nile virus was confirmed Wednesday in Suffolk County.
The Suffolk County Health Department says the patient is over 50 and resides in the Town of Islip.
The patient began experiencing symptoms in early August and was hospitalized for treatment.
The first human case was reported last month in the Town of Brookhaven.
Another human case was confirmed in Nassau County a week later.
Health officials say around 20% of people who become infected will develop symptoms.
Milder symptoms can include fever, headaches, body aches, rashes and swollen lymph glands.
Stronger symptoms often include high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, vision loss, muscle weakness and numbness.
People over the age of 50 and those with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe infections.
The Suffolk County Health Department advises residents to avoid being bitten during peak mosquito season, which runs from June to November.
“We urge everyone, especially those at higher risk, to take rigorous precautions against mosquito bites,” said Suffolk County Department of Health Services Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott. “Unprotected exposure carries the risk of West Nile virus and can lead to hospitalization.”
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