Nassau reports its first West Nile virus case this year
A culex pipiens, which is among the mosquito species that transmits West Nile virus and is found on Long Island. Credit: U.S. Geological Survey
The first human West Nile virus case in Nassau County has been reported, making this the second from Long Island this year and the fourth in the state, health officials said Wednesday.
A case from Brookhaven was reported last week in a person over the age of 50. No other details were immediately available on the Nassau County case.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Some people who contract the virus may not have any symptoms while others have a fever, headache and body aches. Severe illness from the infection can lead to neck stiffness, muscle weakness and inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis.
The other cases were from New York City and Onondaga County. West Nile virus was first discovered in the United States in Queens in 1999.
"Mosquito bites are not only painful, annoying and itchy, they can carry serious illness, such as West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis," New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in a statement.
Nassau County officials didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
McDonald recommended people use insect repellent and make sure window screens are intact. They should also eliminate standing water around their homes that can serve as mosquito breeding grounds.
The agency said over the last 10 years there have been 574 human cases and 10 deaths from West Nile virus but pointed out most cases are never diagnosed.
Suffolk reported five human cases last year while Nassau County had eight.
Nationally, there have been 299 West Nile virus disease cases this year across seven states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While mosquito season generally runs from June through October, the majority of people diagnosed with the virus peaks in late August and early September, the CDC said.
People who are have weakened immune systems and some chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of contracting Wets Nile virus, as are older people.
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.
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