The patient is a 19-year old male who resides in Hempstead. He became ill on August 18th with fever, headache and altered mental status. He was hospitalized on August 23rd and has since been released.

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 recovering at home. The third case was an 83-year old woman from Massapequa who remains hospitalized but whose condition is improving.

The Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works have intensified mosquito surveillance activities in the Baldwin area as well as in Massapequa, 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: " I believe this may be the youngest confirmed case of West Nile virus in New York State. However, West Nile remains a disease that primarily affects the elderly. It underscores our recommendations for everyone to take reasonable precautions to avoid exposure to mosquitoes, and especially persons over age 50." 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 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.