Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
NYC and Suffolk County report first human West Nile virus cases of 2026
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Aug 19, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Getty Images
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Aug 19, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A Suffolk County resident has become the county’s first reported human case of West Nile virus this year, local health officials said Wednesday, as New York City also reported its first human case of the season.
The Suffolk County health department identified the infected individual as a Brookhaven resident over 50. The person began experiencing symptoms consistent with West Nile virus in late July and was not hospitalized, according to county officials.
New York City health officials announced Wednesday that a city resident has also contracted West Nile virus, marking the city’s first reported human case this year. Officials said the person spent time outdoors in New York City and at several locations outside the city.
“West Nile virus is spread by mosquito bites and cannot spread from person to person. The good news is it’s preventable. With mosquito season in full swing, we’re encouraging New Yorkers to take extra precautions to minimize the risk of mosquito bites," city Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said in a statement.
The cases come amid widespread detection of the virus in mosquitoes across the region. New York City has identified more than 1,000 mosquito pools that tested positive for West Nile virus this year across all five boroughs. Earlier this month, Westchester County reported its first positive mosquito batches of the season in Rye.
State health officials had also confirmed West Nile virus in mosquito pools in Nassau, Rockland and Suffolk counties by mid-July.
Health officials are warning New Yorkers about the potential dangers of the virus as mosquito season continues. West Nile is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who become infected don’t develop symptoms, while about 20% do, according to Suffolk County health officials.
Symptoms can range from mild — including body aches, skin rashes or swollen lymph nodes — to more severe symptoms, including vision loss and paralysis. West Nile virus can be fatal.
“This is a reminder that mosquitos are not only a nuisance, but they can transmit serious diseases,” Suffolk County's Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said.
New Yorkers are being urged to use repellent, cover their skin while outdoors and get rid of standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
Tagged
Health and Science
long island
new york city
public safety
westchester
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Fewer homeless New Yorkers died last year even as population remained at record high
The numbers show a majority of the deaths were drug-related.
By
Karen Yi
Published Aug 22, 2026 at 12:01 p.m. ET
Tisch pledges NYPD's support at Central Synagogue, a week after Shabbat attack
She said the department would protect Jewish New Yorkers.
By
Ryan Kost
News
Tisch pledges NYPD's support at Central Synagogue, a week after Shabbat attack
She said the department would protect Jewish New Yorkers.
By
Ryan Kost
At anarchist bookstore, news of NYC socialist leader’s $1.5M home met with a shrug
By
Elizabeth Kim
US Open Fan Week starts Sunday. Here are the other NYC streets closing this weekend.
By
Ryan Kost
NYPD searches for 2 16-year-olds linked to recent fatal shootings of other teens
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .