Nassau, Suffolk plan to spray for mosquitoes

A day after authorities announced what is believed to be the second human case of West Nile virus on Long Island this year, Nassau County begins ground spraying Tuesday to help control mosquitoes that might be carrying the illness.

A 72-year-old man from Huntington is suspected to have contracted West Nile, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services said Monday. A 66-year-old New Hyde Park woman had contracted the mosquito-borne virus in early July, the Nassau County Department of Health said.

The Nassau County Department of Public Works starts ground spraying of pesticide Tuesday, weather permitting, officials said, after consulting with experts from its health department and those from the New York State Department of Health.

All spraying is scheduled between 7 p.m. and midnight.

Areas to be sprayed beginning Tuesday include sections of Massapequa, Massapequa Park and North Massapequa. Alternate dates are Wednesday, Thursday, or Monday, Aug. 9.

Areas to be sprayed Wednesday include sections of Merrick, North Merrick, Freeport and Roosevelt. Alternate dates are Thursday, Monday, Aug. 9, or Tuesday, Aug. 10.

Areas scheduled for Thursday are parts of Valley Stream, North Valley Stream, Franklin Square and Elmont. Alternate dates are Monday, Aug. 9, through Wednesday, Aug. 11.

Areas of Wantagh, North Wantagh, Levittown, Seaford and North Massapequa are set to be treated on Monday, Aug. 9. Alternate dates are Tuesday, Aug. 10, to Thursday, Aug. 12.

Suffolk County also continues its ground spraying Tuesday in the Fire Island communities of Davis Park and Point O'Woods, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; in parts of Greenlawn, from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; and in Selden, from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., according to its department of public works.

On Tuesday, spraying at the Smith Point Park recreation area on Fire Island is from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Statewide, there have been no other confirmed cases of West Nile this year, according to state Health Department spokesman Tom Allocco.

In Suffolk, 38 mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile so far this season, the county said.

In Nassau, 30 mosquito pools have tested positive, said a Nassau health department spokeswoman.

For more information:

www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health/NewsRelease/2010/07302010.html

www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Home/departments/healthservices/publichealth/preventive/Vector%20Control/Vector%20Control.aspx