2 Town of Islip Residents Diagnosed With West Nile

TOWN OF ISLIP, NY - Two Town of Islip residents were diagnosed with West Nile virus, the first human cases reported in Suffolk County this season, Commissioner of Health Services Dr. James Tomarken announced on Tuesday.

The first person developed symptoms in mid-August and was hospitalized for several days before being discharged.

The second individual got sick in late August and was hospitalized with West Nile encephalitis. That person has recently been discharged to recover at home.

Both of the people diagnosed are over the age of 50

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is estimated that 20 percent of those who become infected will develop clinically noticeable symptoms of West Nile virus disease.

About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.

Severe illness can occur in people of any age; however, people over 60 years of age are at greater risk. People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk.

Recovery from severe illness might take several weeks or months. Some effects to the central nervous system might be permanent.

While there is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, patients are treated with supportive therapy as needed.

Most cases occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall.

Residents are advised to use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents during this season.

In addition, residents should avoid going outside from dusk to dawn when most mosquitoes are active, wear long sleeves and long pants when night-time activity is unavoidable, eliminate standing water from flowerpots, clogged gutters, recycle bins, birdbaths, toys, swimming pool and hot tub covers.

The number of human cases of West Nile virus varies each year. Suffolk County reported 11 cases in 2018, seven in 2017, five cases in both 2016 and 2015, one in 2014, five in 2013, 14 in 2012, four in 2011, and 25 in 2010.

To date, Suffolk County has reported 68 mosquito samples that have tested positive for West Nile virus and six that have tested positive for EEE.

"There is no discernible trend," Tomarken said. "We know only about the cases in which the patient sought treatment and we received laboratory confirmation of West Nile virus. There may be many more residents who acquired West Nile virus, but we never learned about them because they didn’t seek medical attention or they sought attention but lab tests weren’t ordered."

Individuals who have medical questions related to West Nile virus may call the Department of Health Services: 631-854-0333.

To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.