County to Spray Port to Reduce West Nile Threat

To help control the threat of mosquitoes that may be carrying the West Nile virus, the Nassau County Department of Public Works will conduct the ground spraying of the pesticide Scourge to Port Washington and surrounding areas. These areas include  sections of Plandome, Plandome Manor, Plandome Heights, Manhasset, Munsey Park, Flower Hill, and Sands Point.  

Spraying by truck is scheduled for Tuesday, August 10, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., weather permitting. The alternate dates are Wednesday, Thursday, or Monday, August 11th, 12th or 16th, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

According to the county, recent surveillance data demonstrates an increased threat of West Nile virus. Experts from the New York State Department of Health have advised the county that the risk to the public's health warrants the application of adulticide to control mosquitoes in certain areas of the county. Nassau County will also continue its larvicide mosquito control program and remind residents to continue to take personal protective measures.

The county recommends that individuals, especially children and pregnant women, remain inside during the spraying and for about 30 minutes afterwards. For people with sensitivities, exposure to Scourge man cause short-term eye, skin, nose or throat irritation or breathing problems. To minimize exposure, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends:

• Keeping windows and doors shut, setting air conditioners to recirculate if able. 
• Turning window fans off.
• Keeping children's toys indoors.
• Keeping pets indoors, as well as their food, water dishes and toys.
• Covering fishponds during the spray period.

Because the effects of the ground spraying dissipate in a few hours, the county claims it is not necessary to wash off outdoor furniture or playground equipment before use, although doing so will not diminish the effectiveness of the pesticide applied.

For more information, contact the West Nile Virus Spray Hotline at 1-888-844-8657, on the days that spraying is scheduled, between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. or visit the Nassau County Department of Health website at nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health.