The New York State Department of Health has diagnosed the first Nassau County resident with West Nile virus.

The patient is a 69 year old man who resides in Plainview. He became ill with symptoms of fever and altered mental status on August 11th and hospitalized on August 13th. He was discharged from the hospital on August 20th and is recovering at home.

The Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works have intensified mosquito surveillance activities in the Plainview area. They are inspecting for breeding sites and, when necessary, will apply larvicide. Numbers of mosquitoes found in these areas have continued to be low and no mosquito pools have been found positive in Plainview to date.

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

Commissioner of Health, David M. Ackman, MD, MPH, said: "With cases of West Nile virus both East and West of us, in both Suffolk County and New York City, it is not surprising to find a case now in Nassau County." He urged the public to take reasonable precautions to avoid exposure to mosquitoes.

• Remove or 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) when outdoor 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 9:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. at (516) 571-8707. Most of the reported birds will not be collected. To call about a mosquito problem, call 571-8707 weekdays from 9:00a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Residents can hear the latest information about West Nile virus by dialing 571-2500. The information is available in English and Spanish 24 hours a day. In addition, West Nile information may be found on the County website at www.NassauCountyNY.gov/health.