By Nick Buglione
This brings the total number of human West Nile cases in Nassau County this year to four.
The 61-year-old Westbury woman became ill with a headache and fever on Aug. 24 and was hospitalized on Aug. 27, according to the Nassau County Department of Health. Diagnosed with meningitis, she was discharged from the hospital on Sept. 1.
The other victim, a 54-year-old man from Floral Park, started showing symptoms of West Nile on Aug. 25 and was hospitalized on Aug. 29. He was discharged from the hospital on Sept. 3.
Both are recovering at home.
The Nassau County Department of Health and the Department of Public Works are intensifying mosquito surveillance in Westbury and Floral Park, officials said.
The two new cases come at the heels of the discovery of a mosquito pool in East Meadow that tested positive for West Nile virus in mid-August. So far, 10 pools have tested positive countywide.
West Nile has been a chief concern for some East Meadow residents, especially since the fall 2001 deaths of locals Karl Fink, 77, and Adeline Bisignano, 71.
"With the increase of West Nile virus throughout the country, it is not surprising to find additional cases in Nassau County," said Dr. David Ackman, Nassau County health commissioner.
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 shirts when outdoors 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.
Symptoms of West Nile virus usually occur five to 15 days after the mosquito bite. Most people initially show no symptoms or experience only a slight fever or headache. Severe West Nile infections result in brain swelling along with high fever, confusion, muscle aches, weakness, seizures and paralysis. Although there is no vaccine or specific treatment, the disease is seldom life-threatening, except among the elderly.
Residents should report sightings of dead birds to the state hotline toll free number at 1-866-537-2473 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 about West Nile virus, visit the county's Web site at www.co.nassau.ny.us/health.
