The Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works have fully-activated all aspects of their annual West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance program. The program includes monitoring mosquito traps at 42 sites located throughout the county as well as inspecting mosquito breeding sites and, when necessary, applying larvicide, in streams, street basins, ponds and recharge basins (sumps.) The County will continue its routine aerial applications of larvicide in the non-populated areas in the salt marshes off Jones Beach.

"As the summer advances, we expect to find West Nile virus in birds and mosquitoes," said Dr. David Ackman, Nassau County Commissioner of Health. "Fortunately, residents can do several things to protect themselves, including removing standing water around their homes and using insect repellent when mosquitoes are active. The Health Department has already started monitoring for the presence of WNV, and is prepared to take whatever steps may be necessary to safeguard the health of our residents. Nevertheless, we believe the risk of infection for Nassau residents remains quite low."

The West Nile virus first appeared in the United States in 1999 and has now spread throughout New York State and across the country. Because the primary carrier of WNV in Nassau County is the Culex pipiens, or "house mosquito" which flies only about 200 feet from its breeding site, residents are urged to take these precautions for safety and protection:

• Remove or empty standing water from old tires, garbage cans, pails, 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.
• Install window and door screens and keep them in good repair.
• Consider wearing long sleeves, pants, socks and mosquito repellent (according to directions) when outdoors where mosquitoes are active, especially in the late afternoon and from dusk to dawn.
• If desired, carefully apply a mosquito repellent according to the directions found on the container. Do not allow children to apply to themselves. When overused or used improperly, repellents may cause allergic and toxic reactions.

Residents are asked to report dead bird sightings since dead birds may provide an early indication of WNV in an area, even though most of the reported birds will not be collected for laboratory analysis. To report a dead bird, please call either the toll-free state hotline at 1-866-537-2473, weekdays between 8:00 A.M.-4:30 P.M. or the Nassau County Health Department at (516) 571-8707 weekdays from 7:45 A.M.- 3:30 P.M. Additional West Nile virus information may be found via the County website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/Health and on the Health Department's telephone Information Line at 516-571-2500.