September 14, 2006

One Additional Human Case of West Nile Virus in Nassau County in 2006

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

The individual is an 83-year-old woman who resides in Westbury. Her symptoms included fever, headache, muscle weakness and altered mental status. She became ill on August 18th and was hospitalized that day. She is still recovering in the hospital.

The Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works have intensified mosquito surveillance activities in the Westbury 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: “Even though the weather is starting to cool, mosquitoes are still active. We must continue to take precautions by dressing appropriately when outside and by removing standing water around our homes and businesses.” The commissioner 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) 572-1211. Most of the reported birds will not be collected.

To report a mosquito problem, call the Department of Public Works Mosquito Control at 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.