The New York State Department of Health reported that six additional pools of mosquitoes in Nassau County have tested positive for West Nile Virus. This brings the total to seven pools. The mosquito pools were collected between Aug. 13 and Aug. 15 in the following locations: Old Westbury Gardens, East Meadow, Farmingdale and three in East Garden City. The prior pool was found July 31 in Bayville.

Additionally, the Department of Health has diagnosed two Nassau County residents with West Nile Virus. One patient is a 60-year-old man who resides in Hicksville. He became ill with symptoms of fever and alerted mental status on Aug. 9 and he was hospitalized on Aug. 10. He was discharged from the hospital on Aug. 26 and is recovering at home.

The second patient is a 57-year-old woman who resides in Bethpage. She became ill on Aug. 13 with symptoms of fever and headache and has fully recovered. She was not hospitalized.

Nassau County is increasing surveillance in those areas where positive pools of mosquitoes have been found and have intensified surveillance in the Hicksville and Bethpage areas by conducting additional trapping for adult mosquitoes, by inspecting breeding sites, and, when necessary, applying larvicide.

Three additional crows have been found positive with West Nile Virus in Nassau County. This brings the total of positive birds to 10. The three crows were found in Inwood, Brookville and West Hempstead.

At this time, Nassau County has no plans to spray for adult mosquitoes.

Commissioner of Health, David M. Ackman, MD, MPH, said, "It is not surprising to find an increase in mosquito activity later in the summer when there are greater numbers of mature mosquitoes." He urged the public to take reasonable precautions to avoid exposure to mosquitoes. "Make sure that window and door screens are in place and in good repair; eliminate standing water from around homes and places of business; minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most abundant; wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when out of doors for extended time; consider the use of mosquito repellent when spending time outside and follow manufacturers' directions carefully to ensure proper application. Insect repellents should not be applied to children under three years of age."

To call about a mosquito problem, dial 571-8707 on Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To call about sightings of dead birds, dial the state hotline toll free number at 1-866-537-2473 on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or the Nassau County Department of Health at 571-8707 from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 weekdays. Please be advised that most of the reported birds will not be collected. Residents can hear the latest information about West Nile Virus and where larviciding will occur by dialing 571-2500. The information is available in English or Spanish 24-hours a day.

Additional West Nile Virus information may be found on the Nassau County website at www.co.nassau.ny.us/health.