Mosquito spraying on Fire Island Tuesday

In an attempt to try to control mosquitoes, Suffolk County is planning to spray two Fire Island communities Tuesday night, the county health department announced.

Weather permitting, ground spraying of the pesticide sumithrin will be done from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on all streets in Davis Park and Point O'Woods, officials said.

The county sprays for mosquitoes to limit the spread of the potentially deadly West Nile virus, which spreads from birds to humans by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds and then humans. Last year, the county reported three deaths and 20 cases of the virus in humans.

For more information call the Suffolk County Division of Vector Control at 631-852-4270 or the spraying information hotline at 631-852-4939, or go to www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health and click on "mosquito spraying."

In a news release, the health department said "chances of experiencing any health effects from spraying are quite low" but it advised taking the following steps:

"Children and pregnant women should take care to avoid exposure when practical. If possible, remain inside or avoid the area whenever spraying takes place and for about 30 minutes after spraying. Close windows and doors and close the vents of window air-conditioning units to circulate indoor air or, before spraying begins, turn them off. Windows and air-conditioning vents can be reopened about 30 minutes after spraying."