3 new West Nile virus cases ups season's total to 19, Suffolk officials say

Three additional human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Suffolk County residents, bringing the total so far this season to 19, county health officials said Thursday.

People can develop West Nile virus disease after being bit by an infected mosquito. A rainy spring and hot summer helped trigger an unusually active and long mosquito season, experts said, noting this is the second-highest number of cases in one year since Suffolk County started reporting cases in 2000. The highest was 25 cases in 2010.

The first human case from Suffolk was reported on Aug. 7. County scientists are continuing to monitor mosquitoes for West Nile virus and other pathogens.

The Nassau County Department of Health has reported 15 human cases so far this year.

While most people infected with West Nile virus will not experience any symptoms, about 1 in 5 will have a fever, headache and body aches. In addition, 1 in 150 people infected could become severely ill with encephalitis or meningitis, which impacts the central nervous system.

Health officials urged residents, especially those over the age of 50 and people with chronic medical conditions, to take precautions against mosquitoes

“Autumn is a great time to be outdoors, and while mosquitoes might not be as active as they were in the summer, those that remain could be carrying virus,” Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said in a statement. “Continue taking precautions and do seek prompt medical attention if you feel ill after a mosquito bite.”

The new cases included two residents from the Town of Brookhaven who noticed symptoms in early September. One is still hospitalized while another is recovering in a rehabilitation facility. The third case, from the Town of Smithtown, was hospitalized with symptoms in early September and is currently in a rehabilitation center.

So far, nine of the cases are from the Town of Brookhaven, six from the Town of Islip, two from the Town of Smithtown, one from Huntington and one from Babylon, according to the health department.

People are advised to avoid mosquitoes by emptying standing water from their property, wearing long sleeves and pants if you have to be outside at night and wearing repellent after reading directions. Parents should consult their pediatricians before using repellent on young children.

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.