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Suffolk County, NY – Two residents of Suffolk County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus, the Department of Health confirmed Tuesday.
One of them is a resident of Huntington City over the age of 55 and hospitalized at the end of August with symptoms consistent with the virus. This individual is currently recovering at home.
The other is a resident of the city of Smithtown who is also over 55 years old and was seen in a local hospital at the end of August with symptoms consistent with West Nile virus. This person has completely recovered.
To date, three cases of West Nile virus have been reported this year.
Last week, a resident of the city of Babylon was confirmed as the first person to be diagnosed with West Nile this year. The patient is still in the hospital.
In addition, this year, the county reported a horse, 132 mosquito samples and 10 birds were tested positive for West Nile virus.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is estimated that 20% of those infected will develop clinically significant symptoms of West Nile virus disease.
Mild symptoms may include fever, headache and body aches, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The most serious symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis . West Nile virus can be fatal.
Residents experiencing symptoms are encouraged to consult their health care providers. Although there is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, patients receive supportive treatment as needed.
Those most at risk for a serious infection are those who are over 55 years old and those who have a chronic illness or weakened immune system. These people are advised to take precautions to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes during the mosquito season, which runs from June 1st to November 1st.
Among the recommendations: use an insect repellent containing DEET, spray clothes with an insect repellent containing permethrin, avoid going out from dusk to dawn when most mosquitoes are active, wear long sleeves and long pants when night activity is inevitable, eliminate stagnant water from flower pots, recycle bins, bird baths, toys, pool and spa covers.
The number of human cases of West Nile virus varies each year. Suffolk County reported seven human cases in 2017, five human cases in 2015 and 2016, one in 2014 and four in 2011 and 2013. Comparatively, the county reported 14 human cases in 2012 and 25 in 2010, when the the virus killed three people.
"There is no discernible trend," said Tomarken. "We only know the cases in which the patient requested treatment and we received laboratory confirmation of West Nile virus. There may be many more people who have contracted West Nile virus, but we have never heard of it. they sought attention but laboratory tests were not ordered. "
People with medical issues related to West Nile Virus can call the Public Health Division of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services: 631-854-0333.
To report mosquito problems or stagnant puddles, call the Vector Control Division of the Department of Public Works at 631-852-4270.
Image via Shutterstock
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