By Nick Buglione
According to the department, the mosquito pool was collected along with ones in Kings Point, Woodbury, Hicksville and Sands Point on Aug. 14 and Aug. 16. The other neighborhoods had pools that tested positive, as well.
Though officials said they will continue to monitor these areas closely -- since only a low number of mosquitoes were in the traps that tested positive, they do not plan to spray insecticides at this time.
Just last year, two East Meadow residents, Karl Fink, 77, and Adeline Bisignano, 71, both died of West Nile virus. Bisignano succumbed on Oct. 26, 2001 and Fink almost a month later on Nov. 22.
It is not surprising to find an increase in mosquito activity later in the summer when there are greater numbers of mature mosquitoes, said David Ackman, the county health commissioner. Similar increases have been reported in both Queens and Suffolk counties.
The Department of Health urges East Meadow residents to take the following precautions:
*Remove standing water, the breeding ground for mosquitoes, from around homes and businesses.
*Make sure home window and door screens are in place and in good repair.
*Minimize the time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are abundant.
*Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when out doors for extended periods.
*Consider the use of mosquito repellent when spending time outside. Insect repellents should not be applied to children under 3 years old.
The findings in East Meadow and the other neighborhoods brings the total of West Nile-positive pools collected in Nassau County to eight.
Three more crows have also tested positive for the disease in the county, bringing the total positive number of crows found to 11.
Residents should report sightings of dead birds to the state hotline toll free number at 1-866-537-2473 on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or to the Nassau County Department of Health at (516) 571-8707 from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on weekdays.
For more information on West Nile virus, visit the county
