Legislator Vincent T. Muscarella (R-West Hempstead) is urging all Nassau County residents to be cognizant of the threat of West Nile Virus. This disease, carried by mosquitoes, has been present on Long Island for the past few summers but is now quickly spreading all across the country. The county has just received word of the first human case of the West Nile Virus this year. There have been a number of pools of mosquitoes in Nassau County that have tested positive for the virus. The Nassau County Department of Health in association with State and Federal health organizations are closely monitoring potential threats to public safety. "With the outbreaks of West Nile in other regions of the country, such as Louisiana and Missouri, the virus has once again entered our minds. There are a number of ways that you can help by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds. Nassau County is working very hard to protect all citizens from this potentially deadly threat," said Legislator Muscarella.

There are a number of steps that can be taken to help control the spread of disease carrying mosquitoes. It is important to know what type of environment the mosquito lays their eggs. Here are a number of ways to decrease the mosquito populations in your area:

• Empty standing water in old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys or any other containers
• Empty and change water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, potted plant dishes, and watering cans at least once a week if not more frequently
• Completely drain swimming pools or keep them properly maintained and circulating; empty any water that may accumulate on swimming pool covers
• Clean and unclog rain gutters, these areas are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes
• Make sure window and door screens are tight fitting and in good repair
• Replace outdoor lights with yellow bug lights
• Apply mosquito repellent according to instructions on bottles, do not allow children to apply their own
• Notify county health officials of dead birds or of other mosquito complaints

At the time of this release there is no plan to spray in Nassau County. The numbers of adult mosquitoes in Nassau does not warrant spraying at this time and it will only be done as a last possible resort. Continue to follow the West Nile situation on your local news or in your daily newspapers. If you would like further information on West Nile Virus you can call Nassau County's 24-hour information hotline at 571-2500. You can also call the Nassau County Health Department at 571-8707 on weekdays from 9 am to 4:45 pm. The following web sites may also be useful:

As always I encourage you to contact my office if you have comments or concerns about West Nile or any other problem, my office number is 571-6208.