Nassau: Mosquito spraying set for Wednesday, Thursday

Nassau County has scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday ground spraying for adult mosquitoes in areas where "the persistent presence of West Nile virus" has been found in mosquito samples, county health officials said.

Spraying is scheduled for Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., weather permitting, in sections of Flower Hill, Manhasset, Munsey Park, Plandome, Plandome Heights, Port Washington, Roslyn, Roslyn Heights, Roslyn Estates and North Hills.

To be sprayed Thursday in the same time range are areas of Albertson, East Hills, Garden City, Garden City Park, Herricks, Manhasset Hills, Mineola, North Hills, Roslyn Heights, Searingtown and Williston Park. Residents can view areas to be treated at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html

Besides being annoying, some mosquitoes' bites can transmit West Nile virus to people.

The chances of experiencing health effects from the ground spraying -- in these cases with the pesticide Scourge -- are "quite low," health officials said.

Still, residents may want to reduce or avoid exposure, with children and pregnant women especially advised to stay clear of the area during spraying and at least 30 minutes after.

Among the "common-sense steps" officials suggest are closing doors, windows and air-conditioning vents during spraying and 30 minutes after.