Brookhaven Resident Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

BROOKHAVEN, NY — A Brookhaven resident has tested positive for the West Nile virus, becoming the second case in Suffolk County this season, according to Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services Dr. Gregson Pigott.

According to a press release, the individual is under the age of 50 and has underlying medical conditions. The person became ill in early September and is currently recovering at a rehabilitation facility, county officials said.

Health officials reported the first case of West Nile virus of the season on September 10, when a Huntington resident tested positive. The individual is over the age of 50 and has since recovered.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is estimated that 20 percent of those who become infected will develop symptoms of West Nile virus disease. 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, the county said. Residents who experience symptoms are advised to visit their healthcare providers. While there is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, patients may be offered supportive therapy as needed.

Individuals who are most at risk for severe infection include those over 50 years of age and those with chronic illness or compromised immune systems. Suffolk County residents are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes during mosquito season, which extends from June 1 through November 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, and swimming pool and hot tub covers.

For information about West Nile virus, visit the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ website.

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

UPDATE: A previous version of this story listed the individual was a resident of the Town of Babylon, not Brookhaven. The Suffolk County of Department of Health Services stated their error in a press release on Friday.