Two Nassau County residents have died from the West Nile virus, according to health department officials. The identities of the victims were not been released and it’s not known if the two cases are related. One victim died on Aug. 24, the other day later.

The first death from a confirmed case of West Nile virus in Nassau County and New York State in 2008 is a 75- year-old male who lived in Carle Place.  He became ill on August 5th with fever and extreme weakness.  He was hospitalized on August 11th and passed away on August 25th.

The second death occurred in an 80-year old female from New Hyde Park, with a probable case of West Nile virus.  Her symptoms included fever, vomiting and neck stiffness.  She became ill on August 20 and died on August 24th. 

Meantime, a newly-diagnosed confirmed case of West Nile virus is a 57-year old female from Bethpage.  She became ill on August 15th with fever, headache and blurred vision and was hospitalized on August 16th.  She is recovering at home.

And a  newly-diagnosed probable case of West Nile virus is a 49-year old female from West Hempstead. She became ill on August 11th with headache, aches and fatigue.  She was not hospitalized and is recovering at home.

“Reduce your risk of getting West Nile virus,” said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, New York City Health Commissioner. “Wear mosquito repellent whenever you are outdoors and long sleeves and pants in the morning and evening. New Yorkers over 50 years old need to be especially careful because they are most likely to suffer serious illness or death if they contract the virus.”

Take Simple Steps to Avoid Mosquitoes

*Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not recommended for children under 3), or IR3535.
*Wear protective clothing such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts, particularly at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
*Make sure windows have screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
*Eliminate any standing water from your property, and dispose of containers that can collect water. Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly. Standing water is a violation of the health code.
*Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.  Keep them empty and covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.

West Nile virus infection can cause a mild or moderate flu-like illness, or sometimes no symptoms at all. But in some cases, particularly among people 50 years of age and older, it can cause serious infection in the brain and spinal cord that can be fatal. The most common symptoms are headache, fever and extreme fatigue. If you think you have symptoms of West Nile virus, see your doctor right away.

(Eli Rowe – YWN Helth Desk / MyFox NY)