15 Cases Of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Nassau County
NEW YORK (WCBS 880/CBS 2) -- The Nassau County Department of Health says 15 human cases of West Nile Virus have been confirmed by the New York State Laboratory.
"To put it in perspective the most we've ever had in a whole year is 20 and this is still early in the season for West Nile Virus," Deputy Nassau County Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein told CBS 2's Dave Carlin.
The virus turned up in mosquitoes at many of the 42 trap sites across the county.
Health officials urged residents to continue taking preventive measures to prevent the breeding of new mosquitoes.
Eisenstein told WCBS 880 that taking extra precautions is especially critical after recent rainfall in the area.
"Make sure there is no standing water anywhere," Eisenstein said pointing out that they were "wonderful breeding grounds for mosquitoes."
The county just finished weeks of spraying pesticide and officials said residents could help slow down the breeding by making sure to keep their properties dry.
Other measures suggested by the county include:
-Making sure roof gutters drain properly.
-Cleaning clogged gutters.
-Keeping swimming pools chlorinated and their covers free of stagnant water.
-Changing the water in birdbaths every two or three days.
-Installing window and door screens and keeping them in good repair.
-Considering wearing long sleeves, pants, socks and mosquito repellent
Michelle Jost of East Meadow keeps a mosquito netting handy when taking her 10-week-old daughter Madison Rose outside.
"I'm very, very concerned about her with mosquitoes," Jost said.
Officials said mosquitoes will continue to be active until the weather gets cold enough to have two overnight frosts.
For more information, Nassau County residents can call the Department of Health at 516-227-9697 or log on to the department website.
