The New York State Department of Health has diagnosed two additional Nassau County residents with West Nile virus. The first of the new cases is a 47 year-old man from Franklin Square. His symptoms included fever, headache, and stiff neck. He became ill on August 23rd, was hospitalized on September 4 th, and is recovering at home. The second individual is a 40 year-old female from Seaford. She became ill on September 15 th with flu-like illness. She was never hospitalized.

In addition, a 69 year-old county resident became ill after receiving a transplant outside Nassau County.

This brings the total to 9 human cases in Nassau County.

The first six cases were: two from New Hyde Park, and one each from Long Beach, Elmont, Freeport and Bellmore.

The Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works have intensified mosquito surveillance activities in the Franklin Square and Seaford 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: “With the recent heavy rain, it is worth reminding residents to continue to remove standing water around their properties. Although the weather is beginning to cool, 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.