4 new West Nile cases reported in Nassau

Four more human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Nassau County, bringing to seven the total number for Long Island.

Added to two previously reported cases in Nassau are: a man over age 60 in the Town of Oyster Bay, a man over 70 in the Town of Hempstead, a woman over 50 in the Town of Hempstead, a man over 60 in the Town of Hempstead, all of whom had exhibited symptoms in August, been hospitalized and are now recovering, health officials said.

Reported earlier were cases of a man older than 50 from the Town of Hempstead and a woman older than 60 from the Town of Oyster Bay, both of whom had been recovering, health officials said.

Suffolk County has one confirmed human case, a man over 50 living in the Town of Brookhaven, who has recovered, officials said.

In addition, Suffolk County reported Thursday seven more mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile virus, health officials said. That brings to 175 the number of mosquito samples testing positive this year in Suffolk.

The most recent positive samples were collected from Sept. 19 to 23 in South Huntington, Dix Hills, Copiague, West Babylon and Nesconset.

Nassau County is reporting 40 positive mosquito samples.

Some mosquitoes' bites can transmit West Nile to humans. Mosquitoes pick up the virus by feeding on infected birds.

"Mosquitoes will continue to be active in these warm temperatures," said James L. Tomarken, commissioner of Suffolk County Health Services, in a release. "Therefore, residents should continue to do their best to reduce the mosquito population around their homes."

Learn more at suffolkcountyny.gov/health and nassaucountyny.gov/health/