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March 20, 2000

LEGISLATOR MUSCARELLA: PREVENTING MOSQUITO BREEDING SITES IMPORTANT TO FIGHTING WEST NILE VIRUS

Nassau County Legislator Vincent Muscarella (R-West Hempstead) has been requested by the Nassau County Department of Health to ask residents to play a role in helping to prevent mosquito infestation on their home properties to protect themselves and loved ones against disease-carrying mosquitoes.

"I am pleased to bring this important information to the attention of the residents of our communities," said Legislator Muscarella. "It is critical that we all work together to prevent mosquito breeding sites on our home properties."

Over the winter months Nassau County, together with New York State, New York City and other counties as well as the Centers for Disease Control, have been meeting and gathering data on the outbreak of West Nile Virus last summer and fall. One of the best ways to eliminate mosquitoes is to eliminate breeding sites. The household mosquito will lay her eggs anywhere fresh water collects for more than four days.

The Health Department advises the following:

Empty standing water in old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys or any other container that may catch and keep water.
Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, potted plants dishes and water cans at least once a week, if not more often.
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 which are prime breeding areas for mosquitoes.
Make sure window and door screens are installed, tight and in good repair.
Replace outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights.

If residents have any questions about mosquitoes, have any mosquito complaints or have observed breeding areas, they may call the Nassau County Department of Health at 571-8707 weekdays from 9AM to 4:45 PM.