The New York State Department of Health has diagnosed a Nassau County resident with West Nile virus. This is the first human case in Nassau County this year.

The individual is a 69-year-old man who resides in New Hyde Park. Symptoms included fever, joint pain and muscle weakness. He became ill on August 24 th, was hospitalized on August 27th, and discharged on September 7th th to rehabilitation.

The Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works have intensified mosquito surveillance activities in the New Hyde Park area. 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 cases in Nassau County. In 2004 Nassau County had no cases, but in 2003 there were a total of 17 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 24 hours a day. In addition, West Nile information may be found on the County website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/health.