Aerial Spraying for West Nile to Begin Over N. Merrick

A week after a truck sprayed pesticide across a large portion of Merrick to combat West Nile virus, the county will now attempt to attack the virus from high above the ground beginning Wednesday evening.

The aerial spraying will not be conducted in areas already sprayed via ground methods, but the North Merrick area–north of Camp Avenue–is on the map to be doused with pesticide.

The spraying to help control mosquitoes that may be carrying West Nile will commence Wednesday at 7 p.m. and end at 5 a.m. Thursday, as well as those same times Thursday evening into Friday. Based on weather conditions, spraying may continue next week, health officials said.

The spraying, which will take place across a large cross section of the county, comes after recent surveillance data has demonstrated an increased threat of West Nile, county health officials said. 

A mosquito pool in Merrick tested positive for West Nile last month.  Several other pools across the county have also been inflicted with the virus.

There have been two confirmed cases in the county of West Nile in humans this year–a 66-year-old New Hyde Park woman, who became ill on July 5, and a 74-year-old Massapequa Park woman, who became sick on July 28–according to county health officials.

A state laboratory is also in the process of confirming a third case of West Nile on Long Island this year in a 72-year-old Huntington man.

Three cases of West Nile have also been confirmed in New York City this season, according to the New York Times.

The Nassau County Department of Health released the following information on the aerial spraying:

What: Scourge is a pesticide containing resmethrin and piperonyl butoxide. Resmethrin is a man-made pyrethroid insecticide that can also be found in other pesticide products used indoors and on pets to control ticks and other insects, such as fleas and ants. Piperonyl butoxide does not directly kill insects on its own, but acts to increase the ability of resmethrin to kill insects. These active ingredients are dissolved in a petroleum solvent.

Health Effects: The chance of experiencing any health effects from the use of Scourge to control mosquitoes is quite low. As with any pesticide, individuals may want to reduce or eliminate exposure. Some particularly sensitive individuals may possibly experience short-term effects such as eye, skin, nose or throat irritation or breathing problems.

To Reduce Exposure: The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) do not require relocating or taking special precautions during mosquito control spraying. Individuals, especially pregnant women and children, should remain inside during the spraying and for about 30 minutes afterwards. In addition, individuals may minimize exposure by:

• Keeping windows and doors shut, setting air conditioners to re-circulate 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.

Since the effects of the aerial and ground spraying 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 Spray Hotline at 1-888-844-8657, on the days that spraying is scheduled, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. or visit the Nassau County Department of Health website at  http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html or the Nassau County website at www.nassaucountyny.gov