22 Additional West Nile Virus-Positive Mosquito Pools Confirmed In Nassau County

Nassau County Department of Health today announced the isolation of West Nile virus (WNV) from 22 additional mosquito pools. This brings the total to 71 mosquito pools positive for West Nile virus in Nassau County this year. 71 positive mosquito pools is the highest number reported in any year since West Nile virus surveillance began in 1999.

The latest samples were collected on August 3rd in Merrick and Wantagh, August 4th in Glen Cove, August 5th in Elmont, Lakeview, Massapequa, West Hempstead and Woodmere, August 6th in Merrick, Garden City (2 pools), East Hills, Westbury (3 pools), East Garden City (2 pools) and Mineola (2 pools), August 9th in Wantagh (2 pools) and Valley Stream. The test results were confirmed today by the New York State Department of Health.

Two humans have tested positive for West Nile virus in Nassau County this year.

Nassau County Department of Public Works has begun ground and aerial spraying throughout the County to help control mosquitoes which may be carrying the West Nile virus. Mosquito surveillance will continue at 42 trap sites located throughout the County, and will be intensified in those communities where positive mosquito pools were identified.
Because West Nile virus is present throughout New York State and beyond, residents are urged to continue to take these precautions for safety and protection:
--Remove or empty standing water from children’s outdoor toys, flower pots, garbage cans, pails, old tires, or any object that can hold water.
--Make sure roof gutters drain properly; 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.
--Install window and door screens and keep them in good repair.
--Consider wearing long sleeves, pants, socks and mosquito repellent (according to directions) if outdoors when mosquitoes are active, especially in the late afternoon and evening hours.
--Decorative ponds and water features should be circulated or chlorinated if they do not contain fish to prevent mosquito breeding.
For mosquito, stagnant water, or drainage problems, call the Nassau County Department of Public Works at: (516) 572-1166, weekdays from 7:45 am to 3:30 pm.

For additional information, please call the West Nile Virus Spray Hotline at 1-888-844-8657 or visit the Nassau County Department of Health website at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html