The New York State Department of Health has diagnosed three additional Nassau County residents with West Nile virus. This brings the total to 13 human cases in Nassau County.

The first individual is a 79-year-old male from North Merrick. His symptoms included fever and headache. He became ill on September 11th, hospitalized on September 12th, discharged on October 1st and is recovering at home.

The second individual is a 70-year-old female who resides in Locust Valley. Symptoms included fever, headache and altered mental status. She became ill on September 12th, was hospitalized on September 17th, discharged on September 27th and is recovering at home.

The third individual is a 72-year-old male who resides in Bayville. His symptoms included fever, fatigue and muscle weakness. He became ill and was hospitalized on September 20th, discharged on September 26th and is recovering at home.

The Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works have intensified mosquito surveillance activities in the North Merrick, Locust Valley and Bayville 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: "Although the weather is starting to cool down, mosquito activity will continue until there are at least two good frosts." He urged the public to continue 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.