FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 18, 2000

COUNTY TO BEGIN GROUND SPRAYING FOR MOSQUITOES THURSDAY

Spano Says Preventive Measures Needed to Protect Public Health

Westchester County Thursday night will begin localized ground spraying of pesticides to prevent the spread of the West Nile virus, County Executive Andy Spano announced today.

These actions are being taken in the aftermath of tests that determined that two dead birds from New Rochelle and Pound Ridge had the virus and that a pool of mosquitoes in Armonk was carrying the virus as well.

“There is no cause for alarm,” Spano stressed. “We have no cases this year of the virus infecting any people. But it is only prudent that we take action now to try to prevent future problems.”

The County will be using the pesticide Anvil during ground spraying, which is one of the least toxic products available for this purpose.

-- more –

Spraying P.2

Said Spano, “The ground spraying will take place after dark to minimize the exposure to area residents. While no pesticide can be considered completely harmless, Anvil is one of the least toxic for the task. Most people are not expected to experience any symptoms.”

In making its decision, the county is acting after discussions with the Centers for Disease Control, the state Department of Health and other regional health authorities.

“This was a very difficult decision personally for me to make,” said Spano. “We want to reduce the use of pesticides in this County, and I have said over and over again it was our goal to avoid having to use them to prevent the spread of the West Nile virus. But questions about the public health are paramount. It is still our goal to avoid aerial spraying.”

Weather permitting, ground fogging will take place on Thursday, July 20 from 11:30 p.m. – 4:30 a.m., in the following communities: New Rochelle, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Bronxville, Mamaroneck Town, Scarsdale, North Castle, Mount Pleasant, New Castle, Pleasantville, Mt. Kisco, Pound Ridge, Lewisboro and Bedford.

As is required with the proper use of Anvil, a second fogging will take place three to five days later, but not over this weekend.

Anvil is a pesticide registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for this purpose. When Anvil is used to combat West Nile virus, it is applied at low concentration rates, therefore making it unlikely that people will experience adverse health

-- more --

Spraying P. 3

effects from the spraying operation. However, as with all things, some people are more sensitive to a potential irritant, including such products as common as hairspray and household chemicals. The Health Department advises that people who are particularly sensitive to pesticides or petroleum solvents, including those in the Anvil product, could possibly experience short-tem effects such as eye, skin, nose or throat irritations or breathing problems.

For that reason, people are advised to avoid being unnecessarily exposed to the pesticide. “Residents are advised to remain indoors during the application and keep their windows closed. Air conditioners should be turned off or set to re-circulate the indoor air before spraying begins and for several hours following the spraying,” said County Health Commissioner, Dr. Joshua Lipsman.

The ground spraying will be conducted by trucks that are equipped with foggers. The spray is released in a fog that can reach 300 feet from the truck. Municipal officials will be arranging for local police to escort the ground spraying crews during application to ensure that all neighborhoods are adequately covered.

Health department staff will be available to answer questions regarding ground spraying and West Nile virus at the Health Department’s West Nile Virus Hotline, (914) 637-2420, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 20 and July 21. The hotline will have automated information at other times and can take messages. All calls will be returned.

Fact Sheets about ground spraying and Anvil are available through the Westchester County Department of Health. Residents can also obtain the fact sheets by visiting the Health Department’s website at www.westchestergov.com/health.