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Breadcrumb Start you are here >Home/News Releases/2005/08-02-2005

August 2, 2005

Aerial Spraying To Begin Wednesday Evening In Nassau For EEE Control

The mosquito spraying will not affect the Thursday evening concert at Planting Fields.
That location will be sprayed on Wednesday (8/3).

After consultation with the New York State Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation, the Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works will begin aerial spraying in parts of Nassau County to eliminate mosquitoes which may be carrying the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus.

When: Pending final approval by the DEC and weather permitting, the schedule for helicopter spraying will be on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, August 3rd and 4th , beginning about dusk when mosquitoes become active.

Where: Approximately 10,200 acres in the Old Brookville area (see map below) bounded by:
North: Railroad Tracks     South: Northern Blvd.
West: Glen Cove Road     East: Mill River Road (Mill Neck Peninsula)

What: Scourge: 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 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.

Why: On Sunday, July 31st, a horse, stabled in Old Brookville, tested positive with EEE. EEE is a rare mosquito-borne viral disease that can occur in humans and horses. The viral illness, transmitted by some species of mosquitoes, attacks the central nervous system, causes inflammation of the brain and can be fatal to animals and humans. Wild birds serve as reservoirs for the virus. Mosquitoes bite the birds and then can transmit the virus to humans and animals. EEE is regarded as one of the more serious mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S.

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: Individuals, especially pregnant women and children, should remain inside during the spraying and for about 30 minutes afterwards; bring in all pets; close windows and doors and turn off window air-conditioning units or close their vents to circulate indoor air before spraying and for about 30 minutes afterwards; pick homegrown fruits and vegetable you expect to eat soon before spraying takes place and rinse well before cooking or eating; cover outdoor furniture and play equipment or wash off with detergent and water after spraying; bring laundry and small toys inside as well as pet food and water dishes before spraying; cover ornamental fishponds to avoid direct exposure. No special precautions or waiting periods are needed for swimming pools. However, if you have a pool cover, you may wish to use it before spraying occurs. If one comes in direct contact with pesticide spray, protect your eyes. If you get pesticide spray in your eyes, immediately rinse them with water. Wash clothes that come in direct contact with spray separately from other laundry. Wash exposed skin surfaces with soap and water after coming in contact with Scourge spray. Consult your health care provider if you are experiencing health effects as a result of spraying.

For additional information, call the Nassau County Department of Health at 516-571-2500 weekdays from 9:00 A.M.- 4:45 P.M.