BROOKHAVEN TOWN, NY — The Suffolk County Department of Health Services is reporting the first human case of West Nile virus this season as being a person over 50 who lives in the Town of Brookhaven, officials said Tuesday.
The person began experiencing symptoms consistent with West Nile virus at the end of July and was not hospitalized, according to the county.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. Around 20 percent of those who become infected will develop symptoms. Mild symptoms 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.
The virus can be fatal.
People who experience symptoms are advised to visit their healthcare provider. While there is no specific treatment for the virus, patients may be offered care as needed.
Those at risk of severe infection include individuals older than 50 and those with chronic illness or compromised immune systems. Residents are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes during mosquito season, which extends from June 1 through Nov. 1.
Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott called news of the positive case "a reminder that mosquitoes are not only a nuisance, but they can transmit serious diseases."
"Those in Suffolk County are advised to take simple, proactive precautions to protect themselves against mosquitoes to protect their health," he added.
For more information on how to protect yourself for mosquitos, and for statistics visit Mosquitoes.
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