August 30, 2011
First Human Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Nassau County in 2011
Health Department reminds residents to take precautions against mosquitoes
Nassau County Department of Health is reporting the first confirmed case of West Nile virus (WNV) in a Nassau County resident this year.
The individual is an adult male between the ages of 40 – 50 who resides in the Town of Hempstead. He had a mild illness and has fully recovered.
To date, (22) mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile virus in Nassau County this year. Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works will continue their mosquito control efforts by inspecting breeding sites and, when necessary, applying larvicide. Mosquito surveillance will continue at 42 trap sites located throughout the County.
As a result of large amounts of water that have occurred from coastal storm Irene, residents are urged to remove any standing water on their property where mosquitoes can breed. Nassau County Department of Health offers the following tips to help eliminate mosquito breeding and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus:
--Remove or empty standing water from children’s outdoor toys, flower pots, garbage cans, pails, or any object that can hold water.
--Make sure roof gutters drain properly.
--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) 571-6900. Additional West Nile virus information may be found on the Nassau County Department of Health website at
