Anti-West Nile spraying continues Thursday

Suffolk County plans to continue its mosquito-spraying program on Fire Island Thursday to help control the spread of the West Nile virus, officials said.

Communities to be treated with sumithrin are Fire Island Pines, Water Island, Atlantique and Summer Club.

Ground spraying with an ultralow-volume aerosol will be between 6 and 10 p.m. and cover all streets in the villages, health officials said.

The health department said the "health effects from spraying" are quite low, but advised that common-sense steps should be taken to avoid exposure.

Steps to reduce exposure include avoiding the sprayed area until 30 minutes after application and closing windows, doors and vents to air conditioners. Children and pregnant women should avoid exposure, the health department said.

Those who come in direct contact with the pesticide should wash exposed skin and rinse eyes immediately with water. Wash clothes separately from other laundry.

Outdoor furniture and other items, including pets' food dishes and children's toys, should be stored indoors, if possible, so as not to collect a residue.

Also, rinse any homegrown fruits and vegetables before eating and cover ornamental fish ponds.

Information on spraying is available at 631-852-4939 or at suffolkcountyny.gov/health.