Fifth human case of West Nile virus reported in Suffolk County

A fifth person has been affected by the potentially deadly West Nile virus and the Brookhaven resident is recovering in a rehabilitation center, Suffolk County said.

This patient is over 55 years old, one of the most exposed groups in the virus, as well as anyone suffering from chronic illness or whose immune system is compromised, said Suffolk County Health Services Commissioner James Tomarken on Tuesday. The person was hospitalized on September 15th.

About one-fifth of people bitten by an infected mosquito develop symptoms, health officials said.

The fourth patient with West Nile virus lives in the city of Islip. Younger than 55, this person became ill on September 1 and was released after a short hospital stay, said Tomarken last week.

On September 18, the county announced that two patients over the age of 55 from the cities of Smithtown and Huntington had been struck. These patients have recovered, said Tomarken.

However, the first patient, from the city of Babylon and over 55, has been in the hospital since August 19, said Tomarken.

Benign symptoms of the virus can include fever, headache and body aches, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms in more severe cases may include high fever, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.

Patients can benefit from supportive care, said Tomarken, inviting anyone with symptoms to seek treatment. Specific treatment against the virus has not yet been found.

Residents should remove stagnant water where mosquitoes could breed, said Tomarken. If they are among the most at risk groups, they should continue to take extra precautions, such as using an insect repellent until November 1st. The mosquito season started on June 1st.

Suffolk County reported seven human cases in 2017. In 2010, when there were 25, three people died.

For medical questions related to West Nile Virus, call the Public Health Division of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at 631-854-0333.

To report mosquito problems or stagnant puddles, call the Ministry of Public Works' Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.