Long Island's first West Nile virus case this year found in Huntington resident
The virus, which is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, has been in the United States since 1999. Last year, there were 21 human cases in Suffolk. Credit: USDA Agricultural Research Service via AP
This year's first human case of West Nile virus has been confirmed in a Huntington resident, Suffolk County Health officials announced Friday.
The individual, who was not identified, is under the age of 50 and started to experience symptoms in mid-August, according to Suffolk officials. The person was hospitalized and is currently recovering at home.
No confirmed human cases have been reported in Nassau County this year but mosquitoes carrying the virus have been detected throughout Long Island in recent weeks.
"We hope people will heed the message that mosquitoes are more than a nuisance," Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said in a statement. "Their bites can transmit serious diseases, including West Nile virus."
The virus, which is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, has been in the United States since 1999. Last year, there were 21 human cases in Suffolk.
Symptoms of West Nile virus can range from headache and joint pains to fever and vomiting. Although less common, it can cause severe illness such as inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states on its website.
People over the age of 50 and those with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing serious illness from West Nile virus.
As of Aug. 30, six human cases were reported in the state outside of New York City and three within the five boroughs, according to state Health Department data.
Mosquitoes are active usually until November. Pigott urged Long Islanders to take precautions such as wearing long sleeves and long pants if they must be outside in the evening hours, when mosquitoes are most active. People should also use repellent with DEET and eliminate standing water in flower pots, birdbaths and other sites that can serve as mosquito breeding grounds.
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.
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
