A Suffolk County resident has become the county’s first reported human case of West Nile virus this year, local health officials said Wednesday, as New York City also reported its first human case of the season.
The Suffolk County health department identified the infected individual as a Brookhaven resident over 50. The person began experiencing symptoms consistent with West Nile virus in late July and was not hospitalized, according to county officials.
New York City health officials announced Wednesday that a city resident has also contracted West Nile virus, marking the city’s first reported human case this year. Officials said the person spent time outdoors in New York City and at several locations outside the city.
“West Nile virus is spread by mosquito bites and cannot spread from person to person. The good news is it’s preventable. With mosquito season in full swing, we’re encouraging New Yorkers to take extra precautions to minimize the risk of mosquito bites,” city Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said in a statement.
The cases come amid widespread detection of the virus in mosquitoes across the region. New York City has identified more than 1,000 mosquito pools that tested positive for West Nile virus this year across all five boroughs. Earlier this month, Westchester County reported its first positive mosquito batches of the season in Rye.
State health officials had also confirmed West Nile virus in mosquito pools in Nassau, Rockland and Suffolk counties by mid-July.
Health officials are warning New Yorkers about the potential dangers of the virus as mosquito season continues. West Nile is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who become infected don’t develop symptoms, while about 20% do, according to Suffolk County health officials.
Symptoms can range from mild — including body aches, skin rashes or swollen lymph nodes — to more severe symptoms, including vision loss and paralysis. West Nile virus can be fatal.
“This is a reminder that mosquitos are not only a nuisance, but they can transmit serious diseases,” Suffolk County’s Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said.
New Yorkers are being urged to use repellent, cover their skin while outdoors and get rid of standing water where mosquitoes can breed.