Nassau County Legislator Judi Bosworth (D-Great Neck) warns residents that the West Nile virus (WNV) was reported yesterday by the New York State Department of Health from a mosquito pool found in Bethpage. The virus was identified in a sample of Culex pipien-restuans mosquitoes (a species that primarily bites birds), and was collected July 2nd.

"There haven't been any humans, horses or birds that tested positive for West Nile virus in Nassau County in 2008 and the county has no plans to spray for adult mosquitoes at this time," Legislator Bosworth said. "Residents need to know that the primary carrier of the disease is the house mosquito which flies approximately 200 feet from its breeding site. I'm urging everyone to protect themselves and their families by following the precautions recommended by the Health Department."

* 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

* wear 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 Departments of Health and Public Works will continue their mosquito control efforts by inspecting breeding sites and when necessary, applying larvicide. Mosquito surveillance will continue at 42 trap sites located throughout the county and will be intensified in the Bethpage area. The county will continue the routine aerial applications of larvicide in the non-populated areas in the salt marshes off Jones Beach.

The public is encouraged to report dead crows to the toll free State hotline at 1-866-537-2473 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 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 516-227-9700 or via the County website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health.