Commissioner of Health, David M. Ackman, MD, MPH, announced today that two pools of mosquitoes in Nassau County have tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquito pools were collected on August 8th in two locations: in Kings Point and in East Garden City. Subsequent trapping at these two sites on August 15th revealed only two mosquitoes at the Kings Point site and none in the East Garden City location. Due to the low count of mosquitoes in traps from which positive findings were identified, no spraying is planned.

As of August 7, 2002, there were eight crows that tested positive for West Nile virus in Nassau County. There are no reports of additional positive birds at this time. Nassau County will continue to monitor closely those areas where infected birds and mosquitoes have been found.

Dr. Ackman said, "This is the first indication of West Nile virus detected in a population of mosquitoes in Nassau County for this year. It is not surprising since similar findings have been reported in both Queens and Suffolk Counties." He urged the public to take reasonable precautions to avoid exposure to mosquitoes.

• Make sure that window and door screens are in place and in good repair;
• Eliminate standing water from around homes and places of business;
• Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most abundant;
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when out of doors for extended time;
• Consider the use of mosquito repellent when spending time outside and follow manufacturers' directions carefully to ensure proper application.

Insect repellents should not be applied to children under three years of age

Residents should report sightings of dead birds to the State Hotline toll free number at 1-866-537-2473 on Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm, or to the Nassau County Department of Health at 571-8707 from 9 am to 4:45 pm weekdays. Please be advised that most of the reported birds will not be collected.

To call about a mosquito problem, dial 571-8707 on Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4:45 pm. Residents can hear the latest information about West Nile virus and where larviciding will occur by dialing 571-2500. The information is available in English or Spanish 24 hours a day.

Additional West Nile virus information may be found on the County website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/health.