The New York State Department of Health recently identified three additional birds which tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The birds, two found in Levittown, bring Nassau County to a total of eight birds which have been found throughout the course of the summer.

The department of health and public works will continue their mosquito control efforts by inspecting breeding sites and, when necessary, applying larvacide. To date, 345 mosquito pools submitted for testing to the NYS laboratory have tested negative for the virus. Two pools, one sample collected on July 24 in East Meadow and one sample collected on July 25 in West Hempstead have tested positive.

Mosquito surveillance will continue at 42 trap sites located throughout the county and will intensify in the areas where the birds have been reported. In addition to Levittown, birds were reported in Bellmore, Hempstead and North Merrick. The county will continue the routine aerial applications of larvacide in the non populated areas in the salt marshes off Jones Beach.

"The presence of the West Nile Virus in birds is not unexpected," said Dr. David Ackman, Nassau County commissioner of health. "We hope this finding serves to add urgency to our message of eliminating mosquito breeding sites around the home and on private property. Nevertheless, we believe the risk of infection for Nassau residents remains quite low."

Since West Nile Virus is present throughout NYS and beyond, and the primary carrier of the virus in Nassau County is the Culex Pipiens, the common mosquito which flies approximately 200 feet from its breeding site, residents are urged to continue to take these precautions for safety and protection:

* Remove or empty standing water from old tires, garbage cans, pails 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

* Install window and door screens and keep them in good repair

* Consider wearing long sleeves, pants, socks and mosquito repellent (according to directions) when outdoors where mosquitoes are active, especially in the late afternoon and from dusk to dawn.

The public is encouraged to report dead crows and other birds to the Department of Health's hotline Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. at 571-8707.