Suffolk County Reports a Death Associated with West Nile Virus

Hauppauge, NY – Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services James L. Tomarken, MD, MSW, MPH, MBA, FRCPC, FACP, reported that the New York State laboratory confirmed today that an adult who died last week has tested positive for West Nile virus.

The individual, who was under the age of 55, began having symptoms associated with West Nile virus — including fever, lethargy, and mental status changes — on September 2, 2010. The individual, who had an underlying medical condition, was hospitalized and died on September 23. The individual was from the Town of Brookhaven.

Dr. Tomarken extends his condolences to the individual’s family.

The New York State laboratory also confirmed two additional cases of West Nile virus:

An adult from Town of Babylon who is under the age of 55 began experiencing a rash, body aches, headaches, chills/sweats, photosensitivity and leg cramps on August 7th. The person was never hospitalized and is recovering at home.

Another individual, who is from the Town of Islip and over the age of 55, began experiencing fever, seizures, altered mental status and muscle weakness on September 13th. The individual, who has an underlying medical condition, is currently being cared for in the hospital.

The total number of human West Nile virus cases in Suffolk County to date this year is eleven – seven from the Town of Babylon, two from the Town of Huntington, one from Brookhaven and one from Islip. Of the eleven cases, there has been one death. There have been a total of five deaths associated with West Nile virus in the county since the virus was first detected in 1999: two in 2002, two in 2003 and this new case in 2010. 

Dr. Tomarken reminded residents that mosquito season extends from June 1 through November 1. “We ask residents to continue to take precautions to avoid being bitten,” he said. “We also ask them to visit their doctors promptly if they experience fever, headache or body aches for unknown reasons.” 

Dr. Tomarken said it was important for residents to reduce mosquito breeding in areas around their homes and property to prevent the transmission of West Nile virus to people. After each rainfall, remember to eliminate standing water in flower pots, clogged gutters, recycle bins, birdbaths, swimming pool and hot tub covers.  Using insect repellants, avoiding the hours from dusk to dawn (when most mosquitoes are active), and wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoor activity between dusk and dawn is unavoidable, are also steps everyone can take to stay healthy this summer.

West Nile virus can cause serious illness and in some cases, death. It is estimated that 20 percent of those who become infected will develop clinically noticeable symptoms of West Nile virus disease. Mild symptoms include fever, headache and body aches, and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands.  Symptoms of severe infection (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis) include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, stupor and disorientation.

Dead birds found on area properties may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds, mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the West Nile virus hotline in Suffolk County at 631-787-2200 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

For medical questions related to West Nile virus, call 631-853-3055.

For further information on West Nile virus, visit the Department of Health Services’ website at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/departments/healthservices.aspx .