Suffolk reports fifth case of West Nile virus
The person, who was not named publicly, lives in the Town of Islip and became ill with symptoms of the virus in September, according to the Suffolk County Health Department.
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Another person in Suffolk County has tested positive for the West Nile virus.
The person, who was not named publicly, lives in the Town of Islip and became ill with symptoms of the virus in September, according to the Suffolk County Health Department. The illness is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito and symptoms typically occur two weeks after a person becomes infected, according to the Health Department.
"Though mosquito season is now over, this case serves as a reminder that mosquitoes carrying disease were still biting after Labor Day," Suffolk County Health Department Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said in a news release. "Thankfully this person was not hospitalized and is recovering."
Mild symptoms of the virus may include a fever, headache and body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands, according to the Health Department. More severe symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. The virus can be fatal and people over 50 years old and those with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems are most at risk.
Suffolk County has reported five cases of the virus this year. There were 21 reported cases last year.
The Health Department requests that anyone looking to report mosquito problems contact the Department of Public Works' Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.
