Suffolk confirms 2 new West Nile cases in Babylon

Two new cases of West Nile infection have been confirmed in Suffolk County, both in people from Babylon. One is hospitalized and the other is recovering.

Suffolk health officials have also identified 40 more positive mosquito samples, bringing the total this year to 139 positive samples in the county. At last count, 71 positive mosquito pools had been identified in Nassau. The sample totals are now record season highs for both counties since West Nile arrived in New York in 1999.

Suffolk Health Commissioner James Tomarken said the two human cases, confirmed Friday by the state Health Department, bring to three the number of people infected by West Nile in Suffolk so far this summer. There have been two cases in Nassau to date, health officials say.

In the latest instances of the mosquito-borne illness, Tomarken said a woman between the ages of 70 and 80 became ill on Aug. 6. Her symptoms were fever, weakness and altered mental state. She is currently being cared for at an area hospital, he said.

Another Babylon woman, between the ages of 75 and 85, became ill on July 16. Her symptoms were dizziness, fever, nausea, vomiting and rash. She was hospitalized and is currently recovering in a physical rehabilitation center.

"West Nile virus is not contagious so there is no public health risk to anyone who has come into contact with the three individuals," Tomarken said in a statement Friday. "However, this is certainly a very good reminder to everyone in Suffolk County to take necessary precautions to limit the chances of getting bitten by a mosquito."

Wearing long sleeves during evening when mosquitoes are in flight is one recommendation. But health officials say it's important to eliminate standing water around homes and to put screens on windows to prevent the insects from entering.