West Nile Virus Found in Mineola Mosquito Trap

A mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus has been found in a trap in Mineola according to the  Nassau County Department of Health.

In total, the virus has been detected in mosquitoes at 4 trap locations in Nassau County including Bayville, Lakeview and Massapequa.

West Nile was also . To date, no humans have tested positive for West Nile virus in Nassau County in 2012. 

In a release, the Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works stated that efforts to control the mosquito population will continue through inspections and spraying of pesticides.

There are currently 42 trap sites located throughout the county and additional monitoring will be used in the locations where the virus has been spotted in mosquitoes.

The health department offers the following tips to reduce the mosquito population around your home and property:

• Eliminate all standing water where mosquitoes can breed.  Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
• Dispose of used tires. Used tires are a significant mosquito breeding site.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly and are kept clean at all times.
• Remove leaf debris from yards and gardens.
• Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Change the water in birdbaths twice weekly.
• Clean vegetation and debris from edges of ponds.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
• Drain water from pool covers.
• Landscape to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

Prevention of mosquito bites is the most important way to reduce your risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Residents can take the following precautions:

• Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.
• Consider using mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors when mosquitoes are biting.
• Make sure there are screens in your home’s windows and doors.  Make sure the screens are free of rips, tears and holes.

To report mosquito, stagnant water, or drainage problems, call the Nassau County Department of Public Works at: (516) 571-6900. 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