The New York State Department of Health has diagnosed one additional Nassau County resident with West Nile virus. This brings the total to 10 human cases in Nassau County.

The individual is a 73 year-old man from Elmont. His symptoms included fatigue, fever and muscle weakness. He became ill on September 20 th, was hospitalized on September 23 rd and remains hospitalized in serious condition.

The Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works have intensified mosquito surveillance activities in the Elmont area. 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: “We expect to find West Nile virus in birds and mosquitoes until cold weather. There will be some mosquito activity until there are at least two good frosts.” He urged the public to continue to:

• 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) where mosquitoes are active, especially in the late afternoon and from dusk to dawn.