May 20, 2009

Mosquito Surveillance Program Set Up to Control
Spread of West Nile Virus in Nassau County

Last year, the summer mosquito season was accompanied by an increased number of West Nile Virus cases.  The Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works coordinate to administer the county’s Mosquito Surveillance Program to help control the spread of mosquitoes through surveillance of mosquito breeding areas, preventing the development of adult mosquitoes, trapping adult mosquitoes, responding to complaints, treating infested areas and testing the trapped mosquitoes for presence of disease

In preparation for this year’s mosquito season, the Health Department has improved its surveillance and trapping techniques to better find, control and prevent mosquito populations.  As always, please adhere to the following preventive measures to minimize mosquito breeding:

• Empty all unnecessary sources of stagnant water, such as garbage cans, buckets, old tires
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly and are not clogged
• Keep swimming pools chlorinated and their covers free of stagnant water
• Change the water in birdbaths every two to 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 at dawn and dusk.
• Report dead bird sightings to the Department of Health 516- 572-1211 Monday through Friday from 7:45 am - 3:30 pm.

The Mosquito Surveillance Program also includes aerial and ground spraying of pesticides when necessary.  The county has recently passed a new law requiring additional notification to the public before spraying applications.  The law requires the Department of Health to give notice at least 24 hours prior to spraying to the major news media and members of the County Legislature.  The notice must also be posted on the County’s and the Health Department’s websites.  A Mosquito Hotline has also been established to provide detailed information during every application and accept reports of pools or stagnant water that residents would like treated.