First human West Nile case reported in Suffolk

Suffolk County health officials today announced the first laboratory-confirmed human case of West Nile virus -- a Huntington resident who was sickened earlier this month.

The individual, described only as an adult younger than 55, experienced fever, chills, body aches and swollen lymph nodes lasting about five days.

The person was not hospitalized and has since fully recovered, officials said.

Humans contract West Nile through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus is potentially fatal, particularly in the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

Dr. James L. Tomarken, Suffolk County health commissioner, asks residents to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

"We urge residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to contain the spread of the virus," he said in a statement.

Last year, 25 people in Suffolk County were infected with West Nile virus -- more cases than usual -- resulting in three deaths.

So far, 30 mosquito samples collected in Suffolk this season have tested positive for the virus. Twelve birds have tested positive, according to the Health Department.

There have been 65 human cases of the virus identified in the county since tracking began in 1999. Seven people died due to complications from the virus.

About 20 percent of those infected show symptoms, which include headache, fever, body aches and a skin rash. Residents are advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellent; minimizing outdoor activities between dusk and dawn; and by wearing long sleeves/pants when outdoors.