Mosquito spraying set for Fire Island

As part of Suffolk County's mosquito-control effort, the public works department will spray the pesticide sumithrin Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, in areas of Fire Island.

The treatment is planned Wednesday for Ocean Bay Park streets, and Thursday for all streets in Fire Island Pines, Water Island, Summer Club and Atlantique, according to the county health department.

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

As of Tuesday, Suffolk County was reporting 201 mosquito samples and 37 birds have tested positive for the virus this year, according to the health department. Two human cases have been confirmed in the county, with both people having recovered.

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

For more information, call the county's spray hotline at 631-852-4939, or see suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices.aspx.