Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta advised county residents that the New York State Department of Health has confirmed evidence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in eight additional birds in the county.

The additional birds were found between September 17 and September 25 in Baldwin, Garden City, Glen Cove, Lawrence, Oceanside, Oyster Bay and West Hempstead.

No spraying is indicated at this time. Due to cooler temperatures, there is little adult activity evident in the county's traps. Nassau County Mosquito Control Program has increased surveillance in this area and will continue to assess the data.

After 28 weeks of extensive monitoring, there have been no human cases of West Nile reported in Nassau County. "I want to assure residents that our deliberate approach to spraying has been the appropriate protocol to follow," said Nassau County Executive Thomas 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. The staff increased monitoring of mosquito breeding areas in the locations where all 69 birds were found to have tested positive."

The Nassau County Health Department has been conducting an extensive data collection program to track any potential virus carriers and a mosquito control program to mitigate the growth of mosquito larvae. Since mosquitoes are the carriers of the virus, data collection on mosquito infestation includes collection in 200 miles of fresh water streams, 70,000 street basins, 650 storm drains and 50 ponds throughout the county. The county has sent more than 77,082 specimens from 848 mosquito pools and 48 mosquito trap sites for testing. The county has also responded to more than 10,634 citizen inquiries and complaints of possible mosquito breeding sites.

Gulotta said he wanted to remind residents that it was vitally important to continue prevention measures at home, including wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants when working or playing outside, using mosquito repellant and eliminating stagnant water that may gather around the home. Homeowners with boats are reminded to check their boats to assure that water has not collected in boats or covers.

"These household mosquitoes, which are carriers of the West Nile Virus, travel less than 200 feet from their original breeding ground to find a victim. It is imperative that homeowners do not give these insects the slightest opportunity to breed," he said. The county has distributed more than 222,784 copies of its 2000 Mosquito Control Program brochure to local schools, libraries, community groups, police and transportation centers, including the Long Island Rail Road and Long Island Bus.

Gulotta reminded residents that they can call the West Virus Information Hotline at 571-2500 for a recorded message, in English and Spanish, 24-hours a day for the most up-to-date WNV information or can check out the county web site at 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.