Suffolk reports four additional cases of West Nile virus in humans

Four additional cases of West Nile virus were reported in Suffolk County residents, the county Health Department announced Thursday. All four are recovering after being hospitalized for the mosquito-borne virus.

Earlier this month, officials said a Suffolk County individual was the first person in the state to have the West Nile virus this year, for a total of five. That person, an Islip man, is also recovering.

Officials urged residents to protect themselves against mosquitoes since surveillance shows the virus is circulating widely in Suffolk and is showing up at a time considered early in the season.

Experts said the large number of West Nile positive mosquitoes detected this season could lead to more human cases.

In 2010, there were 25 human cases of West Nile virus in the county after surveillance showed 295 positive mosquito samples — the greatest number of human cases and positive mosquito samples reported in one season to date, officials said. Three of the people who were infected died.

"It is unusual for us to be reporting this many cases of West Nile virus this early in the season," Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said in a statement. "As there are still several weeks left in the season, we urge people older than 50 and others who are at higher risk of having severe symptoms to seek medical attention promptly if they experience any of the symptoms associated with West Nile virus."

Symptoms of West Nile virus infection include fever, headache, body aches and skin rash. But the virus can also cause more serious illness such as muscle weakness, vision loss and paralysis.

All four of the patients were over the age of 50, health officials said. One is from Islip Town, one is from Babylon Town and the other two are from Brookhaven Town.

Two are recovering at home, one is in a rehabilitation facility and one is still hospitalized.

Scott Campbell, chief of Suffolk County's Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory, was hopeful the recent heavy rains might cut down on the mosquito population.

“[It] would have washed many mosquitoes and their larvae away," said Campbell.

People can avoid mosquito bites by removing standing water, using repellent, wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors and avoiding areas where mosquitoes are biting.

By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.