The New York State Department of Health has diagnosed another Nassau County resident with West Nile virus. This brings the total to 4 human cases in Nassau County.

The individual is an 82-year-old woman from Long Beach. Her symptoms included fever, headache, muscle weakness, and altered mental status. She was hospitalized September 9th, remains hospitalized and is in stable condition.

The Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works have intensified mosquito surveillance activities in the Long Beach 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: “We expect to find West Nile virus in birds and mosquitoes until cold weather. There will be some mosquito activity 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 24-hours a day. In addition, West Nile information may be found on the County website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/health.