The New York State Department of Health has diagnosed another case of West Nile Virus in a Nassau County resident. This brings the total to 12 human cases in Nassau County.

The patient is an 84-year old man from Uniondale. While in the hospital for another medical condition, he developed symptoms of West Nile virus. His West Nile symptoms began on September 22 nd and included fever, neuromuscular weakness, confusion and loss of consciousness. He was discharged to rehabilitation on October 31 and is improving.

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

Commissioner of Health, David M. Ackman, MD, MPH, said: “Even with cool nights, 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 and patio furniture covers free of stagnant water.
• Change the water in birdbaths every two or three days.
• Keep window and door screens in good repair.
• Consider using 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.