September 10, 2007

West Nile Virus Detections Continue to be Identified in Nassau County

Residents are Encouraged to Take Precautions.

The New York State Department of Health has reported on the isolation of West Nile virus (WNV) from four additional mosquito pools in Nassau County, New York. Also, an additional bird has been identified as positive for the disease. This brings the total to 20 mosquito pools and three birds positive for WNV in Nassau County this year.

The latest mosquito samples were collected  August 28th in East Rockaway, August 29th in Hicksville and East Meadow and on August 31st in Lake Success. The bird was a blue jay collected on August 19th in Garden City.

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

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

The Departments of Health and Public Works will continue their mosquito control efforts by inspecting breeding sites and, when necessary, applying larvicide. Mosquito surveillance will continue at 42 trap sites located throughout the county and will continue aerial applications of larvicide in the non-populated areas of the south shore salt marshes as needed.  

Because West Nile virus is present throughout New York State and beyond, and the primary carrier of WNV in Nassau County is the Culex pipiens-restuans or “house mosquito” which flies approximately 200 feet from its breeding site, residents are urged to continue to take the following precautions for safety and protection:

• Remove or empty standing water from old tires, garbage cans, pails, 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.
• Install window and door screens and keep them in good repair.
• Consider wearing long sleeves, pants, socks and mosquito repellent (according to directions) when outdoors where mosquitoes are active, especially in the late afternoon and from dusk to dawn.

The public is encouraged to report birds to the toll free NY State hotline at 1-866-537-2473 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Please be advised that the reported birds will not be collected. Additional West Nile virus information may be obtained by calling Nassau County Department of Health at 516-571-2500 or via the County website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health.