Massapequa Preserve Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile

Two mosquito pools in the Massapequa Preserve have tested positive for West Nile Virus, health officials said.

The samples, were discovered on July 7  and sent for testing by the  department of health. The results were announced by Nassau County Health Officials on Friday.

No humans have tested positive for West Nile, so far in Nassau County.

As a result of the tests, County officials will intensify efforts to look for mosquito breeding grounds. 

Efforts will also be stepped up in the the Valley Stream, Merrick, Wantagh, Westbury and Bethpage areas. Mosquitoes have also tested positive in those areas recently.

Nassau County has no immediate plans to spray for mosquitoes, officials said.

The disease, which is believed to be spread by mosquitoes can be fatal to humans.

The primary carriers are house mosquitoes which don't fly more than 200 feet from their breeding sites.

Residents are urged to take the following precautions:

• Remove or empty standing water from children's outdoor toys, flower pots, garbage cans, pails, old tires, or any object that can hold water.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly; 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) if outdoors when mosquitoes are active,    especially in the late afternoon and evening hours.
• Decorative ponds and water features should be circulated or chlorinated if they do not contain fish to prevent mosquito breeding.

For mosquito, stagnant water, or drainage problems, residents are urged to call the Nassau County Department of Public Works at 516-572-1166, weekdays from 7:45 am to 3:30 pm. 

For additional information on West Nile virus activity, contact Nassau County Department of Health at: 516- 572-1211, weekdays from 7:45 am to 3:30 pm.  Additional West Nile virus information may be found on the Nassau County Department of Health website at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/westnile.html