The New York State Department of Health has diagnosed a probable case of West Nile Virus in a Nassau County resident. This brings the total to 11 human cases in Nassau County.

The patient is an 86 year old man from New Hyde Park. His symptoms included fatigue, altered mental status and fever. He became ill on September 26, 2005 and was admitted to the hospital on September 28, 2005. He was discharged home on October 14, 2005 and is improving.

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: “Although the weather is cooling, we can expect to find West Nile virus in birds and mosquitoes 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 pool covers free of stagnant water.
• Change the water in birdbaths every two or three days.
• Keep window and door screens in good repair.
• Wear 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) 572-1166. Most of the reported birds will not be collected. To call about a mosquito problem, call (516) 572-1166 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.