October 16, 2008

One Additional Confirmed Case of West Nile Virus
And Death of a Previously Reported Confirmed Case

The Nassau County Department of Health is reporting an additional confirmed case of West Nile virus and the death of a previously reported confirmed case.  This brings the total number of individuals with West Nile virus in 2008 in Nassau County to 17; 13 of which are confirmed cases and four are probable cases.  Of the 13 confirmed cases, there have been four deaths.

The newly confirmed case is an 80-year-old male from Garden City.  He became ill on September 26 with fever, headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.  He was hospitalized on September 29th, where he remains.

The previously reported confirmed case of West Nile virus who expired was a 60 year-old female from Merrick.  She became ill with fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, neck ache and dizziness on August 17th and was hospitalized the same day.  She remained in the hospital until she expired on October 14th.

West Nile virus is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes will continue to be active until the weather gets cold enough to have two overnight frosts.  Residents are urged to continue to remove standing water from around their homes to prevent breeding of new mosquitoes.  Precautions include:

• 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.
• Wear long sleeves, pants, socks and mosquito repellent (according to directions) when mosquitoes are active, especially in the late afternoon and at dawn and dusk.