August 27, 2007

West Nile Virus Update for August 27, 2007

The New York State Department of Health reported on August 24th the first and second isolation of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a bird in Nassau County. The virus was identified in an American crow which was collected on August 15th in Levittown and a blue jay collected on August 20 in Syosset. Residents are asked to continue to report dead bird sightings however the Health Department is no longer collecting birds for West Nile virus surveillance

The New York State Department of Health also reported on August 24th  that an additional mosquito pool has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in Nassau County.  The sample was collected August 15th in Farmingdale. A total of fourteen mosquito pools have tested positive in 2007.

To date, no humans or horses have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Nassau County.

The Department of Public Works (DPW), Mosquito Control unit will conduct additional surveillance in those areas where positive pools of mosquitoes are reported by inspecting breeding sites, and when necessary, applying larvicide.

The Health Department will continue mosquito surveillance at 42 trap sites located throughout the county.

To report a mosquito problem, please phone DPW Mosquito Control at 572-1166, Monday through Friday from 7:45AM to 3:30PM.

To report a dead bird, please phone either the toll-free state hot line at 1-866-537-2473, Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM or the Nassau County Health Department at 572-1211, Monday through Friday from 7:45AM to 3:30PM. Be advised that the Health Department is no longer collecting birds for West Nile virus surveillance.