September 21, 2011

First Death Associated with West Nile Virus in Nassau County in 2011

 

Uniondale, NY - Nassau County Department of Health is reporting the first death associated with West Nile virus (WNV) in a Nassau County resident this year. The individual is an adult over the age of 70 who lived in the Town of Oyster Bay.

This year in Nassau County, 9 humans and 29 mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile virus.

Nassau County Department of Public Works has planned ground treatment in locally affected sections of 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 humans and mosquito pools have been 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:

• Focus on personal protective efforts one can do to protect from West Nile virus exposure if outdoors when mosquitoes are active, especially in the late afternoon and evening hours.

• Consider wearing long sleeves, pants and socks.

• Use mosquito repellent (according to directions).

• 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 gutters in 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.

• Decorative ponds and water features should be circulated or chlorinated if they do not contain fish to prevent mosquito breeding.

For further information, visit the Nassau County Department of Health website at

http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html