The Nassau County Department of Health is reporting a total of six cases of West Nile virus in Nassau County residents this year. There are two deaths, two confirmed cases and two probable cases.

The first death from a confirmed case of West Nile virus in Nassau County and New York State in 2008 is a 75-year-old male from Carle Place. He became ill on Aug. 5 with fever and extreme weakness. He was hospitalized on Aug. 11 and passed away on Aug. 25.

The second death occurred in an 80-year-old female from New Hyde Park, with a probable case of West Nile virus. Her symptoms included fever, vomiting and neck stiffness. She became ill on Aug. 20, hospitalized on Aug. 21 and died on Aug. 24. Tests to confirm West Nile virus will be performed by New York State Department of Health's Wadsworth Laboratory. Results are expected next week.

The newly-diagnosed confirmed case of West Nile virus is a 57-year-old female from Bethpage. She became ill on Aug. 15 with fever, headache and blurred vision and was hospitalized on Aug. 16. She is currently recovering at home.

The newly-diagnosed probable case of West Nile virus is a 49-year-old female from West Hempstead. She became ill on Aug. 11 with headache, aches and fatigue. She was not hospitalized and is recovering at home.

Earlier this month, the Nassau County Department of Health reported a confirmed and a probable case of West Nile virus. The confirmed case is a 64-year-old man who resides in Uniondale. His symptoms included fever, dizziness and weakness. He became ill on August 6th, was hospitalized on August 8th, and remains hospitalized. The probable case is a 52-year-old woman who resides in Massapequa. Her symptoms included weakness, nausea, vomiting, rash and fever. She became ill on July 17, was hospitalized on July 22, sent to rehabilitation on Aug. 7 and discharged on Aug. 14. She is currently recovering at home.

The Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works have intensified mosquito surveillance activities in all six communities. They are inspecting for breeding sites and, when necessary, will apply larvicide.

In 2007, Nassau County had two cases with no deaths; in 2006 there were five cases including one death; and in 2005 there were 12 cases with one death. Commissioner of Health Dr. Maria Torroella Carney urges residents to:

• Empty standing water from old tires, garbage cans, or any object that can hold water;

• Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall;

• Keep swimming pools chlorinated and their covers free of stagnant water;

• Change the water in birdbaths every two or 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; and

• Wear long sleeves and pants when outside, especially at dawn and dusk.

To report a mosquito problem, call the Department of Public Works Mosquito Control at 572-1166 weekdays from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents can hear the latest information about West Nile virus by calling 227-9700. The information is available 24 hours a day. In addition, West Nile information may be found on the health department website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health.