Long Island’s First West Nile Virus Case Confirmed in Huntington

A recent case of West Nile virus has popped up in a Huntington, New York, resident. It’s the first human infection of the year in Suffolk County.

The patient recovered, but this news really jolts residents across Connecticut and the New York metro area—from Stamford to Norwich. Folks should stay alert about mosquito-borne illnesses.

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Mosquito activity probably isn’t slowing down until November. Health experts are telling the public to take some basic steps now to minimize risk.

First West Nile Case of the Year in Suffolk County

Suffolk County health officials say the patient, under 50, got sick in mid-August and needed hospitalization. Now, they’re back home and doing better.

Nassau County hasn’t confirmed any human cases this year, but mosquito testing shows the virus is active on Long Island. That puts communities along the Connecticut shoreline—from Greenwich to Branford—on edge as mosquito season peaks.

The Numbers Behind the Virus

West Nile virus has stuck around as a public health issue since it showed up in the U.S. in 1999. Last year, Suffolk County had 21 human cases.

Across New York State, six cases outside NYC and three inside the five boroughs have turned up as of August 30. These numbers really drive home why public education and prevention matter, especially for nearby Connecticut towns like Fairfield, Bridgeport, and New Haven.

Understanding West Nile Virus Symptoms

Most people who get infected won’t get seriously ill. But symptoms can range from mild to, in rare cases, life-threatening.

Common symptoms include:

Fever
Vomiting
Headaches
Joint pain

In more severe cases, the virus can cause encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain and can lead to neurological problems. Older adults and folks with weaker immune systems—including those in Connecticut’s senior communities from Waterbury to Danbury—face the highest risk.

Mosquito Season Extends Into November

Lots of people think mosquito danger ends with summer. It doesn’t—health officials say mosquitoes stick around until about November 1, so the risk lingers into fall.

In shoreline towns like Westport and Madison, wetlands, tidal marshes, and backyard ponds make perfect mosquito breeding spots. This longer season means people need to keep up their guard.

Tips to Reduce Your Risk

Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County’s health commissioner, says mosquitoes are more than an annoying buzz—they can carry deadly illnesses. Want to lower your risk? Try these:

Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are busiest.
Use insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Dump standing water from gutters, bird baths, buckets, and other containers.
Fix window and door screens so bugs stay outside.
Skip wooded or swampy spots during peak mosquito hours.

Why This Matters for Connecticut Residents

Connecticut sits close to Long Island, and the weather here isn’t all that different. Mosquitoes love both places, so outbreaks can happen here, too.

There aren’t any confirmed cases this year, but towns in Hartford County and New London County still need to stay alert. Local health departments keep an eye on mosquito populations and run tests for viruses.

But honestly, it’s not just up to officials—everyone has to pitch in. If you’re living anywhere from Stamford to Norwich, staying informed and taking a few small steps can really help protect your family.

Mosquito-borne illnesses don’t care about borders. Even though the latest case was across the Long Island Sound, it’s smart to take prevention seriously.

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Here is the source article for this story: Long Island’s first West Nile virus case this year found in Huntington resident

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