45°
On Tuesday, Oct. 26, Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services Dr. Gregson Pigott reported the county's fifth case of West Nile virus this year.
Pigott said the individual who got sick was a Brookhaven resident who is over the age of 50 and has underlying health conditions.
The resident became sick in early September, and has since "almost fully recovered," Pigott said.
The resident was not hospitalized.
The virus is transmitted to humans when they are bitten by an infected mosquito, health officials said.
Mild symptoms can include fever, headache and body aches. Severe symptoms can include high fever, neck stiffness, coma, tremors, vision loss, paralysis and more.
Individuals who are more at risk for severe symptoms include those over the age of 50 and those who have a chronic illness or compromised immune systems.
“Mosquito season ends on November 1, but the fall is a perfect time to repair screens, clean yards, and make solid plans to reduce the number areas where mosquitoes can breed around your home,” Pigott said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Nassau and receive free news updates.
