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

The patient is an 83-year old woman who resides in Massapequa. She became ill in mid August and was hospitalized on August 26th with fever, muscle weakness and altered mental status. She remains hospitalized, and her condition is improving.

The first case was a 69 - year old Plainview man who has recovered. The second case was a 77- year old man from Mineola who is improving.

The Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works have intensified mosquito surveillance activities in the Massapequa area as well as the Mineola and Plainview areas. 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: "At this time of year, mosquitoes are extremely active. With recent rains, mosquitoes can find more breeding sites available than during dry spells. We urge residents to take reasonable precautions to avoid exposure to mosquitoes." Residents should remember to:

• 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 outdoors 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.