2 More Suffolk Residents Test Positive For West Nile Virus

SMITHTOWN, NY — Two more Suffolk County residents have tested positive for West Nile virus, bringing the county's total to six human cases this season, health officials said.

The newest cases involve residents of the towns of Smithtown and Huntington, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.

The Smithtown resident, who is older than 50, began experiencing symptoms consistent with West Nile virus in mid-August, officials said. The person was not hospitalized and recovered at home.

The Huntington resident, who is younger than 50, began experiencing symptoms in early September. That person also was not hospitalized and recovered at home, officials said.

The cases are the fifth and sixth human infections reported in Suffolk County this season.

West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. About 20 percent of people who become infected develop symptoms, according to county health officials.

Mild symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. The virus can be fatal.

People experiencing symptoms are advised to contact their health care provider. There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, though patients can receive supportive care as needed.

People older than 50 and those with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems are at greater risk of severe infection, health officials said.

Suffolk County residents are being urged to take precautions against mosquito bites throughout mosquito season, which typically runs from June through November.