The New York State Department of Health reported today on the second isolation of West Nile virus (WNV) from a mosquito pool in Nassau County, New York. The virus was identified in a mosquito sample which was collected August 4th from a stormwater recharge basin in Roosevelt.

To date, no humans or horses have tested positive for West Nile in Nassau County.

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

“The continued presence of the West Nile virus in mosquitoes is not unexpected,” said Dr. David Ackman, Nassau County Commissioner of Health. “We hope this finding serves to add urgency to our message of eliminating mosquito breeding sites around the home and on private property, especially in view of the recent heavy rains. Nevertheless, we believe the risk of infection for Nassau residents remains quite low.”

The Departments of Health and Public Works will continue their mosquito control efforts by inspecting breeding sites and, when necessary, applying larvicide. Mosquito surveillance will continue at 42 trap sites located throughout the county and will be intensified in the Roosevelt area. The County will continue the routine aerial applications of larvicide in the non-populated areas in the salt marshes off Jones Beach.

Because West Nile virus is present throughout New York State and beyond, and the primary carrier of WNV in Nassau County is the Culex pipiens, or “house mosquito” which flies approximately 200 feet from its breeding site, residents are urged to continue 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.

The public is encouraged to report dead crows either to the toll free State hotline at 1-866-537-2473 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or to the Department of Health’s hotline at (516) 571-8707 Monday through Friday between 7:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Be advised that most of the reported birds will not be collected. Additional West Nile virus information may be found via the County website at the Nassau County Health Department.