More mosquito spraying set for Fire Island

As part of the county's ongoing mosquito control efforts, the Suffolk County public works department is planning to spray streets in Ocean Bay Park on Fire Island from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, weather permitting, health officials said.

Scheduled for spraying on Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. are streets in Fire Island Pines, Water Island, Atlantique and Summer Club on Fire Island.

When weather conditions are right, the county will announce a date for aerial treatment in sections of the Town of Babylon, according to a news release issued Wednesday by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.

Chances of experiencing health effects from the ground spraying of the pesticide Anvil "are quite low," according to the release.

Still, people, especially children and pregnant women, are advised to take common-sense steps to avoid exposure by remaining indoors or avoiding the treated area during and for 30 minutes after spraying, officials said.

Other steps people can take to avoid exposure to the spray include closing windows, doors and vents to air conditioners.

People become infected with West Nile virus through the bite of an infected mosquito, which is why health officials also advise eliminating stagnant water around homes where mosquitoes breed.

So far this year, 32 mosquito samples in Suffolk County have tested positive for West Nile virus, the health department said Tuesday.

For further information call the Suffolk County Division of Vector Control at 631-852-4270, the county's hotline at 631-852-4939 or check the "vector control" section of the health department's website at suffolkcountyny.gov/health.