Second Suffolk case of West Nile virus in a human this year reported in Islip resident

A Town of Islip resident has tested positive for the West Nile virus, the second case in Suffolk County so far this year, officials said Wednesday.

The individual, who is over 50, was hospitalized after having symptoms “consistent with West Nile” in early August, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. It was not clear if or when the person was released from the hospital.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms can range from fever, body aches and swollen lymph gland to serious illness including muscle weakness, neck stiffness and paralysis. People over 50 are at a higher risk for severe illness from the bite.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said about 2,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with West Nile every year, but experts say the actual number is much larger since other illnesses have similar symptoms.

The earlier Suffolk County case was a Town of Brookhaven resident who was also over 50. The person experienced symptoms at the end of July and was not hospitalized. Nassau County has reported one human West Nile virus case so far this year.

There were five human cases in Suffolk County last year and 21 in 2024. The last deaths attributed to West Nile virus in Suffolk were in 2017. There were eight human cases in Nassau County last year.

Nationally, there have been 504 cases reported by 41 different states, according to the CDC.

 “We urge everyone, especially those at higher risk, to take rigorous precautions against mosquito bites,” Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said in a statement.

“Unprotected exposure carries the risk of West Nile virus and can lead to hospitalization,” Pigott said.

Ways to avoid mosquito bites include using insect repellent with DEET, getting rid of standing water around your house, avoiding the outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, and wearing long sleeves and long pants if you have to go outside during those times.

By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

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.