West Nile case found in Ulster

KINGSTON — Ulster County Health Commissioner Dr. Carol Smith said Monday that a probable case of West Nile virus has been identified in the county.

The case, which is under investigation by the state Department of Health and the Ulster County Department of Health, involves an individual who had recently traveled out of state, so it’s uncertain exactly where the infection may have been acquired, authorities said.

West Nile virus is most often spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, and can spread the virus to humans and animals they bite.

To date, state Department of Health surveillance has not found any test-positive mosquito pools in Ulster County. Positive pools have been identified in the southern and central portions of the state.

Although West Nile virus can be a potentially serious illness, the overwhelming majority of people who are infected show symptoms ranging from none to mild, and the illness generally improves on its own in a few weeks, authorities said. About 1 in 150 can develop serious symptoms and illness, which can result in permanent neurological damage.

Persons who experience symptoms of severe West Nile virus illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, should seek immediate medical attention, authorities said.