16 mosquito pools found to have West Nile

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The Nassau County Department of Health announced the isolation of West Nile virus from 16 additional mosquito pools in the county on Thursday.

This brings the total to 30 mosquito pools positive for West Nile virus in Nassau County this year.

The latest samples were collected on July 20th in West Hempstead, Valley Stream and Lakeview, July 21st in Massapequa Park, Massapequa Preserve (2 pools), Wantagh and Merrick, July 22nd in Glen Cove (2 pools), July 23rd in East Hills, Mineola, Garden City, East Garden City, Westbury and Old Westbury.

The test results were confirmed by the New York State Department of Health.

Health officials say a 66-year-old Long Island resident is the first confirmed case of West Nile virus in New York state this year.

Officials in Nassau County say the woman became ill on July 5.

She is recovering at her New Hyde Park home.

Her symptoms included headache, weakness, fever and blurry vision.

No confirmed human cases have been reported in New York City.

But the city's Health Department has found mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island.

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Online: Nassau County's West Nile page

<pp> Some people experience only mild flu-like symptoms after contracting West Nile virus, but the infection can cause meningitis or encephalitis, which can result in a potentially fatal inflammation of the brain or spinal cord.

Reducing Exposure to Mosquitoes

Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.

Make sure windows have screens, and repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

Eliminate any standing water from your property, and dispose of containers that can collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.

Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.

Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting http://www.nyc.gov/health/wnv.

If you think you have symptoms of West Nile virus, see your doctor right away. The most common symptoms are headache, fever and extreme fatigue. For more information about West Nile virus, and how to avoid it, visit the Health Department website at www.nyc.gov/health or call 311.

Information on West Nile virus surveillance is available at http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wnv/wnvrrs.shtml/a>.

(Copyright ©2013 WABC-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

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long island, nassau county, west nile virus, local news

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