July 16, 2012

West Nile Virus Detected in Mosquitoes at 4 Trap locations in Nassau County

Uniondale, NY – Nassau County Department of Health today announced the isolation of West Nile virus (WNV) from mosquitoes at 4 trap locations in Nassau County.  The virus was identified in mosquitoes collected in Bayville, Lakeview, Massapequa, and Mineola.

To date, no humans have tested positive for West Nile virus in Nassau County in 2012.

The 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, and will be intensified in those communities where WNV positive mosquitoes have been identified.  Nassau County will continue to evaluate surveillance data to determine whether additional mosquito control measures are necessary.

Nassau County Department of Health offers the following tips to reduce the mosquito population around your home and property:

• Eliminate all standing water where mosquitoes can breed.  Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
• Dispose of used tires. Used tires are a significant mosquito breeding site.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly and are kept clean at all times.
• Remove leaf debris from yards and gardens.
• Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Change the water in birdbaths twice weekly.
• Clean vegetation and debris from edges of ponds.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
• Drain water from pool covers.
• Landscape to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

Prevention of mosquito bites is the most important way to reduce your risk of mosquito-borne diseases.  Take the following steps to protect yourself:

Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.

• Consider using mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors when mosquitoes are biting.
• Make sure there are screens in your home’s windows and doors.  Make sure the screens are free of rips, tears and holes.

Additional West Nile virus information can be found on the Nassau County Department of Health website at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/westnile.html