West Nile Spraying Begins Wednesday in Port Washington Area

The Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works will conduct spraying for West Nile virus in the Port Washington area beginning Wednesday night, according to the .

Weather permitting, trucks will be dispatched to the area beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday in parts of Port Washington and nearby communities.

The county's decision is based on the persistent presence of West Nile virus and mosquito activity.

The schedule looks like this:

Wednesday, 8 p.m.-4 a.m. Thursday.

Sections of Flower Hill, Manhasset, Munsey Park, Plandome, Plandome Heights, Plandome Manor, and Port Washington. Adulticide application by truck will be conducted within the following geographical area:

• Main Street on the North
• Maple Street to Northern Boulevard on the South
• Port Washington Boulevard on the East
• Manhasset Bay shoreline on the West

Thursday, 8 p.m.-4 a.m. Friday.

Sections of Floral Park, Garden City Park, Great Neck, Lake Success, Manhasset Hills, New Hyde Park, North Hills, and North New Hyde Park. Adulticide application by truck will be conducted within the following geographical area:

• Long Island Expressway on the North
• Jericho Turnpike on the South
• New Hyde Park Road to Marcus Avenue to Nassau Boulevard on the East
• Queens County Line on the West

Maps of the areas to be treated can be found on the Department of Health web site.  

The chance of experiencing any health effects from the use of the pesticide Scourge to control mosquitoes is quite low, the county said.

As with any pesticide, individuals may want to reduce or eliminate exposure. To reduce exposure, officials suggest:

• Keeping windows and doors shut, setting air conditioners to re-circulate if able. Turn 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.
• Pregnant women should remain indoors, however, during the spraying period.

Since the effects of the ground treatment dissipate in a few hours, 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, authorities said.

For additional information: Please call the West Nile Virus Treatment Hotline at 1-888-844-8657 or visit the Nassau County Department of Health website