The Nassau County Department of Health announced today that five additional pools of mosquitoes in Nassau County have tested positive for West Nile virus. This brings the total to eight pools. The mosquito pools were collected between August 14th and August 16th in the following locations: Kings Point, Woodbury, Hicksville, East Meadow and Sands Point.

The three prior pools were found in Kings Point, East Garden City and Searingtown. Subsequent trapping at all these sites revealed low numbers of mosquitoes. Due to the low count of mosquitoes in traps from which positive findings were identified, no spraying is planned at this time for adult mosquitoes.

Three additional crows also have tested positive for West Nile virus in Nassau County. This brings the total number of positive crows to 11. Nassau County will continue to monitor closely those areas where infected birds and mosquitoes have been found.

Commissioner of Health, David M. Ackman, MD, MPH, said, " It is not surprising to find an increase in mosquito activity later in the summer when there are greater numbers of mature mosquitoes. Similar increases 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.