Buggin’ Out: 2nd Mosquito in Saltaire Positive for West Nile
Volume 49, Issue 10
By April Jimenez

The first cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) on Fire Island this season were found in Saltaire recently. Mosquito samples collected on July 29 and on Aug. 3 by the Suffolk County Department of Health (SCDOH), tested positive for the virus. Although some residents are a bit panicked, the village of Saltaire and the DOH both advise that they have a plan and that the risk is minimal.

Saltaire is continuing the summer-long process of administering larvacide, a pesticide to target the virus at its earliest stages by applying larvacide to where the mosquitoes lay their eggs. As well as working with Fire Island National Seashore (FINS) and SCDOH, “We are requesting the Department of Health conduct adult pesticide spraying, we are really on top of it,” said Saltaire village administrator Mario Poscilico.

In addition to the regularly-available-in-Saltaire BTI rings, a flushing system designed to treat mosquitoes in closed containers, the aerial spraying of Scourge (resmetherin), as opposed to only ground spraying of Anvil (sumithrin) is one of the stepped-up precautions being taken now that the virus was found. According to Poscilico this is the first time in at least ten years that precautions such as aerial spraying have been taken.

The village of Saltaire is doing everything in its power to keep a handle on the issue. A door to door campaign was embarked on; officials handed out informational pamphlets about WNV and spraying safety to all 400 houses in the area.

“Residents are concerned but thankful for the information. I would say mostly a favorable reaction,” Poscilico said.

With all of these safety measures being taken, how at risk are we? According to the DOH, the likeliness of contracting WNV, even if you live in an infected area, is small.

“The risk of becoming severely ill from any one mosquito bite is extremely rare,” said a DOH official.

Commissioner of Health Services, Dr. Brian L. Harper asks that individuals, especially those at greatest risk, continue to take common sense precautions to avoid being bitten. These preventative measures include keeping window and door screens in good repair, eliminating standing pools of water from around your home and place of business; minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are found in greatest numbers; wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for extended periods of time. Harper also suggests administering chemical repellents.

Residents are encouraged to voice their concerns by calling the village hall or visiting the Web site at www.saltaire.org.