County To Spray Manorville, Calverton After Deadly Mosquito Sample Tests Positive For Deadly Equine Encephalitis Virus

MANORVILLE, NY — Days after a mosquito sample in Manorville tested positive for the deadly eastern equestrian encephalitis virus, spraying is set to begin.

The Suffolk County Department of Public Works will treat sections of Manorville and Calverton by helicopter in order to control the breeding of adult mosquitoes; the treatments are in response to the confirmation on August 24 that a mosquito sample tested positive for the EEE virus.

Spraying is slated to take place Wednesday from 7 p.m. to midnight in Manorville and Calverton from River Road/Grumman Boulevard to South River Road and the Long Island Railroad tracks extending from Princeton Ave. to Railroad Avenue.

Streets within those boundaries will be treated; aerial spraying of an "ultra low volume aerosol" pesticide, Anvil, or sumithrin, will ensue.

For current and future notices and/or further information about mosquito control, residents are asked to call the Suffolk County Division of Vector Control at 631-852-427, or the spraying information hotline at 631-852-4939.

Residents who are not sure that their land line phone is included in the CodeRED system or to receive notifications via cell phone, text messaging or e-mail should click here.

Although the chances of experiencing any health effects from spraying are quite low, the following common sense steps will help individuals reduce possible exposure to pesticides before, during or after spraying, the county said:

Steps you should take:

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. If you come in direct contact with pesticide spray, protect your eyes. If you get pesticide spray in your eyes, immediately rinse them with water. Wash exposed skin. Wash clothes that come in direct contact with spray separately from other laundry. Consult your health care provider if you think you are experiencing health effects from spraying.

Steps you may want to take: The materials used by Vector Control do not leave significant residues on surfaces, but exposure can be reduced even further. Pick homegrown fruits and vegetables you expect to eat soon before spraying takes place. Rinse homegrown fruits and vegetables — in fact, all produce — thoroughly with water before cooking or eating. Bring laundry and small toys inside before spraying begins. Wash with detergent and water if exposed to pesticides during spraying. Bring pet food and water dishes inside, and cover ornamental fishponds during the spray period to avoid direct exposure.

Residents with questions about the eastern equine encephalitis virus are asked to contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Public Health Hotline: 631-787-2200.

The day after news broke that a mosquito sample in Manorville tested positive for the deadly eastern equine encephalitis virus, Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. James Tomarken received approval to declare an “Imminent Threat to Public Health," officials said.

The designation, from the New York State Commissioner of Health, will allow the county to address the mosquito issue in areas that would not be accessible without the designation — and also allow the county to be reimbursed at a greater percentage for its efforts to control mosquitoes that cause the potentially life-threatening disease.