The New York State Department of Health has diagnosed three additional Nassau County residents with West Nile virus. This brings the total to eight human cases in Nassau County.

One individual is an 85-year-old man who resides in Mineola. Symptoms included fever, headache and muscle weakness. He became ill on August 27th, was hospitalized on September 3rd, discharged on September 11th and is recovering at home.

The second individual is a 61-year-old female from Hewlett. Her symptoms included fever and headache. She became ill on September 2nd, hospitalized on September4th, discharged on September 11th and is recovering at home.

The third individual is a 69-year-old male who resides in Floral Park. Symptoms included fever, headache and muscle pain. He became ill on September 2nd, was hospitalized on September 7th , discharged on September 13th and is recovering at home.

The Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works have intensified mosquito surveillance activities in the Mineola, Hewlett and Floral Park areas. They are inspecting for breeding sites and, when necessary, will apply larvicide.

At this time, Nassau County has no plans to spray for adult mosquitoes.

Commissioner of Health, David M. Ackman, MD, MPH, said: "With the increase of West Nile virus throughout the country, it is not surprising to find additional cases in Nassau County. In 2002 Nassau County had a total of 11 cases." He urged the public to:

• Empty standing water from old tires, garbage cans, or any object that can hold water.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
• Keep swimming pools chlorinated and their covers free of stagnant water.
• Change the water in birdbaths every two or three days.
• Keep window and door screens in good repair.
• Consider wearing long sleeves, pants, socks and mosquito repellent (according to directions) where mosquitoes are active, especially in the late afternoon and from dusk to dawn.

Please continue to report dead birds to the New York State Hotline toll free number at 1-866-537-2473 on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or to the Department of Health Monday through Friday, between 7:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at (516) 571-8707. Most of the reported birds will not be collected. To call about a mosquito problem, call 571-8707 weekdays from 7:45a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents can hear the latest information about West Nile virus by dialing 571-2500. The information is available in English and Spanish 24 hours a day. In addition, West Nile information may be found on the County website at www.NassauCountyNY.gov/health.