With just a few weeks before the end of the summer, it is still important to keep up your guard against mosquitoes and the viruses they carry. According to the Nassau County Board of Health, there have been 14 mosquito pools and two birds that have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Nassau County. The latest mosquito sample was collected Aug. 15. An American Crow was found in Levittown Aug. 15 and a blue jay in Syosset Aug. 20. There have been prior positive mosquito pools found in Bayville, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Jericho, Kings Point, Roosevelt, Upper Brookville, Valley Stream, Wantagh, West Hempstead, Westbury and Woodbury. In all cases, the virus was identified in a sample of Culex pipiens-restuans mosquitoes (a species which primarily bites birds). To date, no humans have tested positive for West Nile in Nassau County and the county has no plans to spray for adult mosquitoes at this time.

The county urges that residents take the following precautions for safety: Remove or empty standing water from old tires, garbage cans, pails, or any object that collects water. Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall. Change the water in birdbaths every two or three days. Install window and door screens and keep them in good repair. Consider wearing long sleeves, pants, socks and mosquito repellent (according to directions), outdoors where mosquitoes are active, especially in the late afternoon and from dusk.

Residents are encouraged to report dead crows to the toll free New York State hotline at 1-866-537-2473 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Please be advised that most of the reported birds will not be collected. Additional West Nile virus information may be obtained by calling Nassau County Department of Health at 571-2500 or via the county website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health.

I encourage residents to periodically utilize the village's website for information regarding the village's operations, as well as items of seasonal and special interest. The address is www.gardencityny.net. Also please be aware that I have a village email address and would be delighted to hear from village residents about their concerns. It is as follows: MayorPBee@gardencityny.net