Human West Nile virus case confirmed on LI

A resident of Babylon Town is the first person on Long Island this year to contract the West Nile virus, Suffolk County health officials confirmed Monday.

The patient, an adult who is younger than 55, experienced fever, headache, muscle aches and a stiff neck, was hospitalized for four days, beginning July 30, according to a news release from the county health services department.

That individual has since recovered, but the New York State Health Department is reviewing another case in Suffolk, the release said. Confirmation of a second person contracting the virus awaits further testing, Suffolk officials said.

Specific information on individuals who contract the virus, including age and gender, is withheld by health officials under privacy laws.

In 2011, Suffolk reported four confirmed cases of the virus in humans and Nassau County reported 16, according to state records.

Through July 31, the state has confirmed only one other human case, in Staten Island.