Suffolk Health Officials Announces 4th Human Case of West Nile In County, 2nd In Brookhaven

BROOKHAVEN TOWN, NY — Suffolk's Department of Health Services reported the fourth human case of West Nile virus this season in the county, and the second for Brookhaven Town, on Wednesday.

The person, who is older than 50 and lives in the town, began experiencing symptoms consistent with West Nile virus in late August, according to officials.

They remain hospitalized, officials said.

To date this season, 139 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, and three mosquito samples have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus. Previously, two dead crows found on June 24 in Ronkonkoma and one dead Blue Jay found on Aug. 5 in Nesconset tested positive for West Nile virus.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito, and 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, and 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 people older than 50 and those with chronic illness or compromised immune systems. County residents are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes during mosquito season, which extends from June through November.

For more information on how to protect yourself for mosquitos, and for statistics visit Mosquitoes.