Two more cases of West Nile virus reported in Suffolk County

Two other Suffolk residents have contracted the potentially deadly West Nile virus, bringing the total to seven for the season, according to county health department officials.

A 55-year-old Southold resident was hospitalized in September with symptoms consistent with West Nile virus and is recovering at home, officials said. A 55-year-old resident of Huntington City was also hospitalized in September with symptoms of West Nile and has since recovered.

The five other cases reported this year have afflicted residents of the cities of Islip, Huntington, Smithtown, Brookhaven and Babylon.

"There is no perceptible trend," said Dr. James Tomarken, Health Services Commissioner for Suffolk. "We only know the cases in which the patient requested treatment and we received laboratory confirmation of West Nile virus. The number of residents who have contracted West Nile virus may be much higher, but we have never heard of it because they did not see a doctor or ask for attention, but laboratory have not been ordered. "

West Nile is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is estimated that 20% of those infected will develop symptoms of the disease.

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.

People most at risk of serious infection are people over 55, people suffering from chronic illness or weakened immune system. Residents are encouraged to remove stagnant water where mosquitoes could breed and seek treatment if they have symptoms, said Tomarken.

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

The mosquito season began on June 1 and ends on November 1.

For medical questions related to West Nile Virus, call the Public Health Division of the Suffolk 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.

Robert Brodsky is a last-minute reporter who works at Newsday since 2011. He is an alum of Queens College and American University.