Fire Island mosquito spraying also set for Thursday

Ground spraying to control adult mosquito populations has been scheduled for Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, in Fire Island Pines, Water Island, Atlantique and Summer Club on Fire Island, Suffolk County health officials said. The pesticide Anvil is to be used.

The pesticide applications are designed to limit the development of mosquitoes, which through bites can spread the West Nile virus.

Already announced is Wednesday night's ground spraying of Anvil in parts of Ocean Bay Park, Seaview and Ocean Beach on Fire Island from 6 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, health officials said.

Chances of experiencing medical problems because of the applications are low, health officials said, but residents may want to avoid exposure, with children and pregnant women especially advised to stay indoors during and 30 minutes after the sprays.

Last year ranked as the second-worst in U.S. West Nile virus cases since the disease was first detected in the United States in 1999, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

Nassau and Suffolk counties each reported 14 human cases last year, including one Nassau death.

More spraying information is available through the Suffolk County Division of Vector Control at 631-852-4270, the county's spraying information hotline at 631-852-4939 or by visiting www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/PublicHealth/PreventiveServices/PesticideApplicationNotification.aspx.