Three Human Cases of West Nile Virus, and One Death, Confirmed in Nassau County

The Nassau County Department of Health has confirmed that three county residents have been infected with West Nile virus this year, and one of them has died from the disease.

The two surviving cases were both residents of the Town of Hempstead that were over 50. The death was in a county resident who had underlying health conditions. The Department of Health wouldn't give out more details about where the infected residents lived.

Mary Ellen Laurain, a spokeswoman for county Department of Health, said the county just received the results of test back from the state at the end of September. One of the infected residents has been discharged from the hospital, and the other is still receiving treatment.

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 clinically noticeable symptoms of West Nile, health officials say. 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. Residents who experience symptoms are advised to visit their health care providers.

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. These individuals are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes during the season.

Last year, the county had nine confirmed cases of West Nile. The county has consistently had cases since the disease was identified in 1999, save for two years. Deaths are less common, but still occur. Until now, the last time a person died from the virus was 2012.

The county routinely samples mosquitoes to see if they are carrying the virus. They have had 20 positive results so far this year.

For information concerning West Nile virus activity, call Nassau County Health Department Mosquito Surveillance at (516) 572-1211.

Nassau County Department of Public Works responds to mosquito or stagnant water problems. To report a problem, please phone DPW's Mosquito Control Unit at (516) 571-6900.

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