A bird found in Garden City the week of Sept. 12 was among eight new birds testing positive for the West Nile Virus in Nassau County, announced County Executive Thomas Gulotta on Friday.

In addition to the bird found in Garden City, other birds testing positive for the disease were found in Freeport, Syosset, Baldwin, Merrick, Massapequa, Lynbrook, and North Bellmore.

This is the first bird in Garden City found to be infected with the disease but mosquitoes collected from a breeding pool in Garden City in late August were among the first mosquitoes in Nassau testing positive for the virus. An additional positive mosquito pool was collected in Plandome Manor on Sept. 15, bringing the total number of pools testing positive in Nassau County to six. The total number of birds testing positive in the county is now 61.

According to the county executive, no spraying is indicated at this time since the temperatures have gotten cooler and because of this there is little adult mosquito activity in the traps. Nassau County Mosquito Control Program has increased surveillance in the areas where this mosquito pool and additional birds were found and will continue to assess the data.

After 27 weeks of extensive monitoring, there have been no human cases of West Nile reported in Nassau County. "I want to assure our residents that our deliberative approach to spraying has been the appropriate protocol to follow," said Gulotta.

"A review of the mosquito counts in these areas indicates that the number of mosquitoes still continues to be low and the County's Mosquito Control staff continues to trap mosquitoes," added the county executive.

The Nassau County Department of Health has been collecting extensive data to track any potential virus carriers and a mosquito control program to mitigate the growth of mosquito larvae.

Residents are reminded that it is vitally important to continue prevention measures at home, including wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants when working or playing outside, using mosquito repellant, and eliminating any stagnant water that may gather around the home.

Residents can call the West Nile Virus Information Hotline at 571-2500 for a recorded message 24-hours a day for the most up-to-date West Nile Virus information or can check the county website at: http://www.co.nassau.ny.us. Residents calling to report a dead bird or mosquito problem may call 571-8707, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.