September 9, 2008

LIMITED AERIAL SPRAYING FOR WEST NILE VIRUS
RESCHEDULED IN NASSAU COUNTY

Spraying by Truck in Woodmere and Glen Head Areas Completed Last Week

Nassau County has rescheduled the aerial spraying that was cancelled on Thursday, September 4th, due to adverse weather conditions. The new date for aerial spraying will be Wednesday evening, September 10th beginning at approximately 6:30 P.M. If weather conditions are not favorable on September 10th, spraying will occur on September 11th, beginning no earlier than 9:00 P.M. Currently, weather conditions for both September 10th and 11th are favorable.

"This week, as of September 9th, one additional probable human case has been reported, for a total of 11 human cases of West Nile virus. These 11 include three fatalities. Of these 11, six have been confirmed, four are probable cases and one is under investigation. In addition, six more mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile virus for a total of 55 positive pools," said Commissioner of Health, Dr. Maria Torroella Carney.

Where: Areas to be sprayed by plane:

• Northern boundary: Long Island Expressway (LIE 495)
• Southern boundary: Southern State Parkway
• Eastern boundary: Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway (Route 135), including Bethpage State Park
• Western boundary: Queens border between the LIE and Southern State Parkway

Spraying by truck in the Woodmere and Glen Head areas was completed last week.

When: Weather permitting, the planned schedule for spraying will be on Wednesday, September 10th, beginning at approximately 6:30 P.M. If weather conditions are not favorable on September 10th, spraying will be delayed until Thursday, September 11th, beginning no earlier than 9:00 P.M. Any cancellation will be posted on our website: www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/ and local media will be notified.

What: Scourge is a pesticide containing resmethrin and piperonyl butoxide. Resmethrin is a man-made pyrethroid insecticide 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. Individuals should contact their health care provider if they think they are experiencing health effects from spraying.

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, the New York State Department of Health and the Nassau County Department of Health recommend that individuals may minimize exposure by:

• Keeping windows shut and setting air conditioners to re-circulate.
• Bringing laundry and small toys indoors. Wash with detergent and water if exposed to Scourge during spraying.
• Keeping pets indoors, as well as their food, water dishes and toys.
• Covering ornamental fishponds to avoid direct exposure.
• Covering outdoor tables and play equipment before spraying, or washing them off with detergent and water after they have been sprayed.
• Picking homegrown fruits and vegetables you expect to eat soon before spraying takes place. Rinsing homegrown fruits and vegetables thoroughly with water before cooking or eating, as one should do with all produce.

For additional information: The West Nile Virus Mosquito Control Hotline at 1-888-844-8657 will be available Tuesday, September 9th, from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Wednesday, September 10th from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. and Thursday, September 11th from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.; or contact the Nassau County Department of Health website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/.

Any cancellation will be posted on our website and local media will be notified.