August 31, 2007

West Nile Virus Update for August 31, 2007

The New York State Department of Health reported on August 31st the third isolation of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a bird in Nassau County. The virus was identified in a blue jay which was collected on August 19th in Garden City.  The two previous isolations were reported in an American crow in Levittown and a blue jay 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 31st that two additional mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in Nassau County.  The samples were collected on August 21st in Valley Stream and on August 22nd in Wantagh. A total of sixteen mosquito pools have tested positive in 2007.

To date, no humans or horses have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Nassau County in 2007.

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.

This website will be updated as needed