Community Corner
Update: Ground Treatment for West Nile Virus Tuesday
Spraying by truck will begin at 8 p.m.
Update 10:31 a.m.: Nassau County health department officials are now advising ground treatment is ON for Tuesday evening beginning at 8 p.m. Please read original article below for details.
Update 8:30 a.m.: Nassau County health department officials have advised that ground treatment will not take place today due to weather conditions, further noting that spraying will likely not happen at all as cooler temperatures will keep mosquito populations dormant.
Original 5 a.m.: To help combat the spread of West Nile virus, localized truck treatment of adulticide in targeted areas throughout the county begins Tuesday evening at 8 p.m., according to the Nassau County Health Department.
Inclement weather postponed the treatment, which was originally scheduled for Sept. 12.
Based on current mosquito trap data and consistent with the 2013 Nassau County Mosquito Control Plan, the Nassau County departments of Health and Public Works recommended the treatment based on the "persistent presence of West Nile virus and mosquito activity at these locations."
Weather permitting, treatment is as follows:
- 8 p.m. through 4 a.m. in sections of E. Garden City, Garden City, Hempstead, Salisbury, Brookville, Greenvale, Roslyn, East Hills and Old Westbury
Area 1
- South of Old County Road
- North of Hempstead Turnpike
- West of Merrick Avenue
- East of Washington Avenue/Street
Area 2
- South of Northern Boulevard (Route 25A)
- North of the Long Island Expressway
- West of Post Road/Wheatley Road/Whitney Lane
- East of Roslyn Road/Main Street
Though the chance of experiencing any effects from the use of Scourge to control mosquitoes is "quite low," the health department states that, as with any pesticide, individuals may want to reduce or eliminate exposure.
Individuals, especially pregnant women and children, should remain inside during the treatment and for about 30 minutes afterwards, health officials advise. Residents can also keep windows and doors shut, set air conditioners to re-circulate if possible, turn window fans off, keep pets and children's toys indoors and cover fishponds during the treatment 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.
For additional information call the West Nile Virus Treatment Hotline at 1-888-844-8657 on the days that treatment is scheduled between the hours of 9 a.m. through midnight or visit the Nassau County Department of Health website here.
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